Full text of "Ramayana : [King Rama's way]"

See other formats

Google

This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project

to make the world's books discoverable online.

It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject

to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books

are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.

Marks, notations and other maiginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the

publisher to a library and finally to you.

Usage guidelines

Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing tliis resource, we liave taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.
We also ask that you:

+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.

+ Refrain fivm automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.

+ Maintain attributionTht GoogXt "watermark" you see on each file is essential for in forming people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.

+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liabili^ can be quite severe.

About Google Book Search

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web

at|http: //books .google .com/I

THE

RAMAYANA.

Translated into English Prose from the original

Sanskrit of Valmiki.

y'i^o^

EDITED AND PUBUSHED BY

MANMATHA NATH DUTT, M. A.

Rector^ Keshub Academy,

PRINTED BY

GiRiSH Chandra CHACKRAVARTt,

Dbva Press, 65/2, Bbadon Street.

CALCUTTA.

1891.

/ > •

r r,.

-J. ^ .". --■ c'

' f ; *'/

AEANYA KANDAM.

SECTION I,

«Mi

JcjNTERlNG the extensive forest of Dandaka, the irrepressi-
ble and self-composed RAma saw the collection of asylums
belonging unto the ascetics, strewn with Ku9a and bark,
and environed by spiritual energy; incapable of being beheld;
like the solar disc in the heavens, — ^the refuge of all crea-
tures— with their ornamented yards ; filled with a great
many deer, and abounding in multitudes of birds ; in which
ApsarSLs always danced and which they held in respect ;
(asylums) beauteous with spacious rooms for fire-sacrifice,
with sacrificial necessaries, deer-skins, Ku9a, faggots, water-
pitchers, fruits and roots j surrounded by mighty and sacred
forest-trees; crowned with lucious fruits ^ honored with Vaii*
and Homat ; holy ; resounding with the sounds of Vedic
recitations ; scattered with divers blossoms ; and contain-
ing tanks filled with lotuses; with ancient ascetics liv-
ing on fruits and roots, having their senses under control,
wearing bark and black deer-skins, and possessing the
•i^plendour of the sun or fire ; and adorned by great and
i^oly sages living upon regulated fare. Beholding that

" ♦ Offerings to the spirits of air. — T.

t Barnt offerings, or oblations of clarified butter into the sacred fire, as an
|;)ffcring to the gods, accompanied with prayers or invocations. — T.

5o6 KAMAVANA.

collection of asylums belonging unto the ascetics, resembling
the regions of BrahmSl, resonant with the voices of Vedic
recitations ; and grateful ; with highly pious Br&hmanas
versed in the Vedas, — the exceedingly energetic and graceful
Raghava entered the same, having first unstrung his
mighty bow. Thereupon, seeing the righteous Rama resembl-
ing the moon risen, as well as Lakshmana and the illustrious
Vaidehi, those Maharshis endeued with spiritual intui-
tion, came forward (to meet the incomers) ; and^ having
uttered benedictions, those persons of rigid vows, received
them. And those dwellers of the wood, struck with wonder,
beheld RSma's tender grace and lovliness and elegance
of dress. And struck with astonishment, those inhabitants
of the woods of pre-eminent piety saw Vaidehi, Laksh-
mana and R9ma, with winkless eyes. And those persons
of exalted virtue, engaged in the welfare of all creatures,
made RSghava, their guest, sit down in their thatched cottage.
Then, having received RSma respectfully according to scrip-
tural prescription, those virtuous ones of eminent piety, res-
embling fire, procured water (for RSLma). And, experiencing
great delight, those high-souled ones, uttering benedictions,
procured wild fruits, flowers and roots ; and, having assigned
an asylum (unto RSma), those persons cognizant of righteous*
ness, said with joined hands, "Possessed of high fame, thou,
the protector of righteousness, art the refuge of these
people. Thou shoudst be honored and worshipped, being
their king, holding the rod, and their superior. O Raghava, it
is because he that governs his subjects, is a fourth part of Indra
himself, that the king, being bowed down unto by all, ,
enjoys the choicest things. And we, being in thy dominions, j
ought to be protected by thee. Whether living in the cityt
or in the woods, thou, lord of men, art our sovereign. We»
have renounced chastising others ; and, O monarch, we have;
conquered our anger, and subdued' our passions. Therefore,'
even as a child in its mother's womb (should be protected :

A RAN FA KA ND a M. 507

by her), should we be protected by thee.*' Having said this,
they entertained R^ghava, along with Lakshmana, with
fruits and roots and flowers and diverse other edibles pro-
curable in the woods. In the same way, other ascetics of
a(:complished purposes, living lives of integrity, duly pleased
that lord, R&ma, resembling Vai^ySlnara.

SECTION II.

AVING received the homage of the ascetics, R§ma
about sun-rise, having greeted them all, entered into the
forest. And RSLma, followed by Lakshmana, saw the heart
of the forest abounding in various kinds of beasts, — ranged by
bears and tigers, with its trees and shrubs torn and trampled,
its pools turbid, and its birds crying. And, having in company
with Sitft arrived at that forest abounding in terrible beasts,
K&kutstha saw a man-eater, resembling a mountain-summit,
emitting tremendous roars, with hollow eyes, a huge face,
frightful, having a deformed belly, disgusting, dreadful,
Cyclopean, mis-shapen, of a horrible sight, clad in a tiger-skin,
besmeared with fat, covered with blood, capable of frighten-
ing all creatures, with his mouth widely extended, like unto
the Destroyer himself, and uttering loud shouts, — who stood
piercing with his iron dart three lions, four tigers, two leo-
pards, four Prishatas, and the huge tusked head of an elephant
dripping fat. Having seen RSlma and Lakishmana.. as well as
Sita the daughter of MithilSl, he growing angry, rushed
(against them), like the Destroyer himself rushing against
creatures at the universal dissolution. Uttering a dreadful
yell, and, as if making the earth tremble, he took Vaidehi
on his waist, and, going a little distance, said, "O ye wearing
bark and matted locks, O ye of feeble strength, that accom-
panied by your (common) wife, have entered the forest of

lo8 RAMAFANA.

Dandaka, bearing bows and arrows and scimitars, why, being
asceticsi do ye wish to associate with a (single) woman f Ye
wicked wretches, ye impious wights, who are ye that bring
disgrace upon ascetics ? I am a RSikshasa, Vir&dha by name.
This forest is my fastness. Accoutred in arms, I range
(here), feeding on the flesh of ascetics. This transcendentally
beauteous one shall be my wife. And in battle I shall
drink your blood, wretches that ye are." Hearing the
wicked and vaunting speech of the impious Vir&dha, as he
said this, Janaka's daughter, Sit2L, began to tremble from
fear, like a plantain tree shaken by the wind. Seeing the grace-
ful Sit& on the waist of Vir&dha, Rlghava with a blank coun-
tenance said unto Lakshmana, ''O amiable one, behold the
daughter of king JanakS, my wife of pure ways, an illustrious
princess brought up in luxury — on Viridha's waist O
Lakshmana, what had been wished for by Kaikeyi with
reference to us, (hath taken place), and the dear boon (that
she had asked) hath born fruit. That far-sighted lady — my
second mother — who had not been satisfied with having
secured the kingdom in the interests of her son, and by whom
I that was dear unto her above all other creatures, had been
banished to the woods, hath to-day her wishes crowned
with success. O SumitriL's son, nothing can impart unto me
greater anguish than the touching of Vaidehi by another —
which surpasses my father's demise and my having been
deprived of the kingdom.'' As KSLkutstha with his eyes
flooded with tears was speaking thus, Lakshmana flying into
a rage, spoke like unto a confined elephant : "Why dost thou,
O Kikutstha, being the lord of all creatures and resembling
VSLsava himself, — and also backed by myself, thy servant,—
grieve like one forlorn? The earth shall drink the gore
of this Rakshasa, VirSLdha, when deprived of life, after he
hath been slain with a shaft by my angry self. That ire of
mine which I had conceived against Bharata hankering after the
kingdom, will I discharge on Vir&dha ; even as the wcilder of

THE

RAMAYANA.

Translated into English Prosb from the original

Sanskrit of Valmiki.

>;*c<x>-

EDITED AND PUBLISHED BY

MANMATHA NATE DUTT, M. A.

Red or, Keshub Academy.

PRINTED BY

GiRiSH Chandra Chackravartc,

Dkva Press, 65/2, Beadon Street.

CALCUTTA.

1891.

5IO RAMAVANA,

me not with life." Then stringing his bow, R3ma,
speedily aiming at the Rakshasa,pierced him with sharpened
shafts ; and (then) from his bow-string let go seven shafts,
having their feathered parts plaited with gold, furnished
with great velocity, and coursing like Suparna or the
wind. Thereat, resembling flames, those arrows furnished
with peacocks' feathers, pierced VirSdha's body, and fell to
the earth, covered with blood. On being thus pierced, the
RSLkshasa set Vaidehi down, and, upraising a dart, rushed in
wrath towards R§ma and Lakshmana. And sending forth a
mighty roar, he took up a dart resembling the banner of
Sakra; and he then appeared like the Destroyer* with open-
ing mouth. Then the brothers showered a blazing volley of

•

shafts on the R§kshasa, resembling the Destroyer himself.
And stationing himself at a spot, the R§kshasa, laughing
terribly, yawned, and as he yawned the flest-coursing shafts fell
off from his person. And by virtue of the bestowal of the boon
(by Brahma), the RSLkshasa VirSdha drew up his vital ener-
gies, and, lifting up a pike, darted at the descendants of
Raghu. That best of those bearing arms cut off with two
arrows that dart resembling the thunder-bolt and flaming
in the sky. And the dart severed by the shafts of RSma,
fell to the earth, as falls a crag severed by the thunderbolt.
Thereat, swiftly raising up a sword, resembling a black
snake, each (of the RSLghavas) approached his antagonist,
and began to assail him hastily. Thus hard beset, that
terrible one, seizing them both with his arms, attempted to
make away with those foremost of men, who, however, retain-
ed their calmness. Reading his purpose, R§ma spake unto
Lakshmana, "Let the RSLkshasa bear us by this way.

* The text has Kalantakoyamopame — abl. — resembling Kala, Antaka, or
Yama. The commentator cites a sloka^ which assigns three several functions
to the three, — Kala executes his office on the occasion of the separation of life
from the body ; Antaka compasses the end ; and Yama finally sits in judgmetTt
upon the departed soul. But this strikes me as misplaced erudition. I, however,
give the commonsense rendering. — T.

aRANFAKANDAM. 51 »

Mot use of letting him. O Sumitra'sson, let the Rakshasa bear
IS wherever he likes. Even this, by which the ranger of the
light is proceeding, is our way.'* And lifting up (R2lma and
Lakshmana) by his might and prowess, as if they were
striplings, that haughty ranger of the night laid them on
lis shoulders. And having deposited the RSLghavas on his
jhoulders, Viradha — ranger* of night — sending up dreadful
shouts, directed his course towards the forest. And he at
ength entered the forest resembling a mighty mass of clouds,
Furnished with various kinds of trees, picturesque with
diverse species of birds^ and abounding in jackals, serpents
sind beasts.

SECTION IV.

J^EEING those foremost of Raghus, the KSkutsthas, carried
away, SitS cried in a loud voice,raising up her arms,t "RSma,
the son of Da^aratha, the strong, the truthful and the pure,
is, along with Lakshmana, being carried away by you,
Rakshasa of a terrible appearance. Me bears w ill devour and
tigers and panthers. Renouncing the KUkutsthas, do thou
carry me away. I bow unto thee, O best of R&kshasas." Hear-
ing these words of Vaidehi, RSLma and Lakshmana bestirred
themselves for compassing the death of that wicked one. And
SumitrS's son broke his left arm ; while Rlma at once broke
the Rakshasa's right one. On his arms being broken, the
Rakshasa resembling a mass of clouds,growing weak, sank down
on the ground in a swoon, like a hill riven by the thunderbolt.
Thereupon, they assailed the Rakshasa with their fists.

• Another reading is : — That ranger of the night laid on his shoulders,
those ones, who were puffed up with their exceeding prowess. — T.

t Another reading is Subhuyabhuyan — That one of elegant arms {raising)
them up. — T.

51 J RAMA TANA.

arms and feet ; and lifting him up once and again,
and pressing him^ they trod on him over the ground.
Although he was sore pierced by full many an arrow
and cut sorryly by scimitars, and pressed down on the earth
in various ways, yet the R^kshasa expired not. Seeing him
utterly incapable of being killed, and resembling a hill, that
inspirer of hope in times of peril, the graceful (R§ma), said,
"O foremost of men, in consequence of his austerities, yon
R&kshasa cannot be vanquished with weapons in conflict.
Therefore, let us cast him into a pit. O Lakshmana, dig a
capacious pit in this forest^ for this Rakshasa resembling an
elephant, terible, and of a grim presence." Having said this
unto Lakshmana, — "Do thou dig a pit," the powerful Rama
remained planting his foot on VirSdha's throat. Having
heard R&ghava's words, the RSkshasa spake gently, "Slain
am I, O chief of men, by thee possessed of strength equal to
that of Sakra. Through ignorance, O foremost of men,
I could not before know thee. Now I know thee that art
R^ma, the worthy Son of Kau^alyS, my child ; as well as the
highly virtuous Vaidehi and the renowned Lakshmana. By
virtue of a curse, I entered this dreadful Rakshasi form, I a
Gandharba, having been cursed by Vai9ravana. Being pro-
pitiated by me, that greatly famous one said, — * When Rama
the son of Da9aratha, shall slay thee in encounter, thou, at-
taining thy natural condition, shalt repair to the celestial re-
gions.' Getting wroth, he cursed me, who had been absent ;
and thus did king Vai9ravana address me, who had conceived
love for Rambh^. Through thy grace have I been freed from
this fearful curse, I shall (now) repair to heaven. Hail, O re-
pressor of foes I Half a Yoyana hence, my child, dwells *:he
righteous and potent Maharshi, Sarabhanga, resembling '.Se
Sun. Seek him speedily: he will bring about thy good. CaaCiuj
me (into this pit) in the wood, do thou, O RSima, peacefully go
thy way. Even this is the eternal usage of the Rlkshasas.

• The reading slightly varies in some texts.— T.

XRANYAKINDAM. 513

Those ih^t die in the forest, attain eternal regions." Having
said this unto K^kutstha, the mighty Vir&dha, afflicted with
arrows, having his body deposited (in the pit\ attained
heaven. Having heard that speech of VirSldha, R^ghava order-
ed Lakshmana, saying, '' O Lakshmana, do thou in' this forest
dig a capacious pit for this RSikshasa resembling an elephant,
dreadful, and of terrible acts." Having said unto Lakshma-
na, ''Dig a pit/' — RSLma possessed of prowess remained fix-
inghis foot on Vir^dha's throat. Then taking a hoe, Lakshma-.
na dug a spacious pit by the side of the huge-bodied* Vir&dha.
Then when his throat had been freed, (Lakshmana) cas(
into the pit ViriLdha having ears resembling javelins, sending
loud and dreadful sounds. Having vanquished him in fight^
R&ma and Lakshmana possessed of activity and steady in
fight, being exceedingly delighted, raising up the dreadful
H&kshasa by main force, cast hini howling (into the pit). Re*
fleeting that he was incapable of being slain (by sharpened
weapons), those foremost of men, exceedingly well versed (iij
arms), compassed the death of that mighty Asura, Viridha,
in the pitj after they had dug it. VirSdha had himself sincere-
ly wished for his death at the hands of RSLma ; and that
ranger of the woods had accordingly told fRSLma), — "My
death cannot be effected by means of weapons.'' Having
heard these words, Rlma decided upon casting him into a
pit And when the excessively strong R^kshasa entered the
cavity, he made the forest resound with his cries. Having
thrown him into the hole, Rlma and Lakshmana, their fears'
removed, appeared with joyful looks, and rejoiced in that
forest like the sun and the moon seated in the heavens.1

* ifmkaimanam — lU. — highsouUd. The poet may have applied the epithet
n this flense in view of Vir&dha being reallj a Gandharba. I have, however,
ireferred the other sense, as being more in harmony with the character of
/iridha as a Rikshasa ; and have accordingly rendered the word, huge-
hodUd.—T,

t Another reading of this line is : — And buried him under stones. The
^•rtb'West Provinces text has four additional lines : — Having . slain the

514 ^ij/IriVl

SECTION V.

H AVING in the forest slain the Rakshasa VirSdha
possessed' of tremendous strength, R§ma endeued with
prowess, embracing and cheering SitS, spoke unto his brother
Lakshmana of flaming energy, saying, 'This dense forest
is hard to live in ; nor are we acquainted with thc^ ways of
the wood. Therefore will we speedily repair to the ascetic
Sarabhanga." Thereupon RSghava set out for the hermitage
t>f Sarabhanga. And R&ma beheld a mighty wonder near
that one of celestial virtue, who had purified his soul through
asceticism. He saw the lord of the celestials, possessed
t)f a resplendent person, resembling in effulgence the sun or
VaicwSnara — mounted on a superb car — (saw) him that is
followed by all the celestials, stationed in the sky, not touch-
ing the earth, adorned in luminous ornaments — the god
tiressed in a clean apparel j worshipped by many a high-
souled personage dressed in the same way. And from a
distance, (Rama) saw the car stationed in the sky yoked with
green steeds — resembling the infant sun ; and he saw the
spotless umbrella possessing the beauty of a mass of white
clouds, resembling the lunar disc,— and graced with varie-
gated wreaths. And his (Indra's) head was being fanned
by two chowrrs, costly and furnished with golden handles,
held by two magnificent damsels ; and innumerable Gandhar-
bas and Siddhas and prime sages were hymning the celestial
stationed in the welkin. And seeing Sarabhanga engaged
in converse with Satakratu, R&ma said unto Lakshmana (the
following words). And pointing out the car, R2ima showed
the wonder unto his brother. "Behold, O Lakshmana, yonder
car stationed in the sky, splendid, furnished with exceeding

Raksh€t5a and taken Mithtla's daughter ^ those ones having bows ^ -mL^ in
gold, being delighted, rejoiad in that mighty forest, like the sun and,\ *W^ on
seated in the sky.—T. *rth-f -*

Ara NY a k And am, s i 5

grace, wonderful, and seeming as if the sun had fallen from
the heavens. The steeds standing in the sky are for certain
those of which we had formerly heard as belonging unto
Sakra of many sacrifices. And, thou foremost of men^ these
youths environing (the celestial) by hundreds, wearing ear-
Tings, and bearing swords in their hands, are broad of chest,
have arms resembling bludgeons in size,and are clad in crimson
vesture, like unto tigers incapable of being approached. Over
the breasts of all appear chains of blazing sheen ; and, O son
of SumitrS, their beauty appears that of five and twenty. And
even this is the ever-enduring age of the celestials, as these
loremost of men of sweet looks appear. O Lakshmana, stay
here awhile with Vaidehi, so long as I do not gather
who it is that is ia the efiEulgent car.'' Saying unto
Sumitrfts son, ''Stay here," Kakutstha bent his steps towards.
Sarabhanga's aslylum. And seeing Rlma approach, Sachi's-
lord, taking Sarabhanga's permission, addressed the celestials,,
saying, *4i&ma is coming hither. Do ye set out for another
place, ere he yet addresses me. He is not fit to behold
me (now.) When he shall have vanquished (his foe in fight),
^nd won success^ shall I readily show myself unto him. He
shall have to achieve an act incapable of being achieved by
others.'' Then rendering homage unto that anchoret and
conversing with him, the weiWer of the thunderbolt— subduer
of enemies — repaired to heaven in a car yoked with steeds..
When the thousand-eyed one had gone away, Rftghavat
accompanied by his companions appeared before Sarabhanga
in the Agni-h^tra chamber. Taking his feet, R§ma, Siti and
Lakshmana sat down with the permission of the ascetic,
who received them and set apart quarters for them. Then
-RiLghava questioned (the sage) concerning the visit of Sakra ;
and Sarabhanga related everything unto RSighava. "O R§ma.
this bestower of boons wishes to take me to the regions of
BrahmS. I have conquered them, incapable of being attained
by persons that have not schooled themselves, — ^by virtue of

5i6 RjiMlFANA.

fierce austerities. O chief of men, knowing that thou wert
near, I became anxious to go to the minor celestial regions
and this supreme heaven (of Brahm^), after I had seen thee,
righteous and high-souled, who art my dear guest now. O
foremost of men, I have for aye attained the excellent regions
of Brahm^ and NiLkaprishtha. Do thou receive them as per-
taining to me." Thus addressed by the sage, Sarabhanga,
that best of men, R&ghava, versed in every branch of
learning, said, "O mighty anchoret, I shall acquire all those
regions myself. I now wish that thou mayst direct me as
to my abode in this forest." Thus accosted by RSighava
resembling Sakra in strength, the eminently wise Sarabhanga
again said, ''O R&ma, here in this forest lives a pious and self-
restrained ascetic of mighty energy, named Sutikshna. He
will bring about thy good. O Rlima, follow this Mandikini
flowing among flowers, which (here) runs in an opposite
direction to her usual course ; and then wilt thou reach there.
This is thy course, thou best of men. Do thou now, my
child, for a space look at me; while I leave off my limbs,
even as a serpent renounces its slough." Then preparing
a fire and with Mantras offering oblations into it, the exceed-
ingly energetic Sarabhanga entered into the fire. The fire
consumed the down, hair, old skin, bones, flesh and blood of
that high-souled one. (Anon) Sarabhanga became a youth
resembling fire; and rising from the flame, he appeared
splendid. And proceeding past the regions of htgh-souled
sages sacrificing with fire, as well as of the celestials, he
ascended those of BrahmSL. And that one of pious acts done
on earth — that best of the twice-born race — saw the grand-
father, in company with his followers. And the grand-father
also, beholding that Br&hmana, rejoiced greatly^ and said,—
"Hail!"

iRANFAKlNDAM. 517

SECTION VI.

.FTBR Sarabhanga had ascended heaven, ascetics in
bodies, assembled together, presented themselves before
fOLkutstha; R&ma of flaming energy. And Vaikhftnasas, and
V&IakhilyaS, and Sanprakhllas, Marichipas, Afmwakuttas in
numbers, and those ascetics, Patr^hSras, and Dantolu-
khalas, Unmajjakas next, and GSLtracayyiLs, and A^ayy&s
aDd AnavakSi^ikas, those ascetics, SalilShSiras, VSyubha-
kshas after them, Ak&9anilayas, Sthandila9Syis, Urddha-
vSsis of controlled senses, and Ardrapattav&sas given to
yapa^ practising penances, and engaged in performing
the five kinds of austerities — all furnished with the grace
that comes of spiritual energy, and all firmly concentrated in
Yoga^-these ascetics presented themselves before R&ma in
the asyhim of Sarabhanga. And coming before R2Lma, the
foremost of those practising righteousness, those sages
conversant with -morality, — met in a body, said unto that
pre-eminently virtuous one, ''A mighty car-warrior, thou
art the foremost person of the Ikshwftku race and the world ;
as well as their lord,— -even as Maghavftn is the lord of the
celestials. Famous over the three worlds in high worth and
prowess, in thee are found truth and virtue in profusion and
obedience unto the mandate of thy sire. O lord, it behoves
thee cognizant of virtue and attached unto it, to forgive us
for what we as suiters say unto thee. The sin, O lord, of
that monarch is mighty that taketh a sixth part of the
subjects' incomes, but doth not protect them as sons. But
he that, setting his heart on protecting the people, doth ever
carefully protect all the inhabitants of his dominions, like
his own life or like his son dearer unto him than life itself,
reapeth, O R&ma, enduring renown extending over many
years, and (at length) attaining the regions of BrahmS, is
glorified there. The king that protects his subjects righte-

5i» RUlAyANA.

ously, is entitled to a fourth part of the great religious merit
that is reaped by an ascetic subsisting on fruits and roots.
O R&ma, this many Br&hmanas — this great body of men that
have assumed the Vinaprastha mode pf life, although having
thee for their lord, are being sorely troubled by R&kshasas,
as if they had none. Come and behold the bodies of innu«
merable ascetics of pure hearts that have in various ways
been slaughtered by Rftkshasas in the forest. And great
is the worry that is experienced by the dwellers on the river
Pamp^ and the Mandlkini ks well as those that reside in
Chitrakuta. We cannot bear tbe terrible affliction of the
ascetics in the forest at the hands of RiLkshasas of dreadful
deeds. Therefore, for obtaining refuge, have we come before
thee who art the refuge (of all). Do thou, O RSma, deliver
us all, who are being exceedingly afflicted by the rangers of
the night. O hero, we have no greater refuge on earth
than thyself. Do thou, O kingf 3 son, rescue us all from
R&kshasas." Hearing these words of the sages and ascetics^
that righteous<^souled one addressed them, saying, ''It doth
not behove you to speak thus. I should be commanded by
the anchorets. I have entered the forest solely with a view
to my own purpose. I have entered this forest in obedience
to the mandate of my father, with the object (at the same
time) of putting an end to these ravages of the Rlikshasas oa
you. I have at my own will come hither for securing
your interest. Then shall my stay in the woods be crowned
with mighty fruit. I wish to slay in battle the enemies
of the ascetics. Let . the sages and ascetics behold my
prowess as well as that of my brother." Having been con*
ferred a boon by the ascetics, that hero entered upon a noble
undertaking, and accompanied by the ascetics, in company
with Lakshmana directed his course to (the hermitage oQ
Sutikshna.

iRANrAKXNDAM, 519

SECTION VH.

ND R&ma accompanied by his brother as well as Sitft
went to the asylum of Sutikshna in company with the twice-
born ones. And having proceeded far, and crossed many
a stream of copious waters, Rftma saw a holy peak tower-
ing high like the mighty Meru. Then those worthy scions of
the IkshwSku race — descendants of Raghu — with SitS enter-
ed the forest ever furnished with various kinds of trees. And
having entered the dense forest abounding in blossoms and
fruits and trees, RSma saw in a recess an asylum glittering
with bark and garlands. There Rima duly addressed an
ascetic seated in the lotus-attitude* for warding off evil, even
Sutikshna, ''O thou conversant with righteousness, speak to
me, O Maharshi, O thoii that hast truth for thy prowess."
Thereupon, eying RiLma keenly^ that calm (ascetic) — the
foremost of those practising righteousness, embracing him
with his arms, said, " Welcome, thou foremost of the
Raghus, O Rdma, thou the best of those practising righteous-
ness. This asylum now hath been furnished with its master
in consequence of thy visit. O illustrious one, O hero,
expecting thee, I have not yet ascended heaven, renouncing
on earth this body of mine. I had (already) heard that, coming
to Chitrakuta, (thou hadst been staying there), having been
deprived of the kingdom. Here came, O K^kkutstha, the
Sovereign of the celestials of an hundred sacrifices. Coming
to me, that mighty deity, the Sovereign of the celestials, said
that I had acquired all the worlds by my pious acts. Do thou,
by my grace, in company with thy wife and Lakshmana,dwell
delightfully in those regions won by my asceticism, con-
taining Devarshis." Thereupon the self-possessed RSLma
answered that blazing and truth-telling Brfthmana of fiery
austerities, like Vftsava answering BrahmSL, saying, "O

♦ 1\i^yoya system has many positions for concentrating thought. — T.

520 RlMlrANA,

mighty ascet»c, I mysdf will win those regions. I wish to
be directed to a dwelling in this forest. Thou art possessed
of ability in respect of everything, and art (at the same time)
"efftgfaged in the welfare of all beings,-— this hath been told
* . unto me by the high-souled Sarabhanga of the Gautama race.'.'
Thus addressed by R9ma, that Maharshi known over all the
worlds, Spoke sweet words iii great joy, '*0 meritorious
. Rama, even this i& the asylum (for thee). Do thou live here
pleasantly. It is inhabited by numbers of saints and is always,
provided with fruits and roots. This forest is haunted by
herds of deer that range here without doing harm to any
one, although they possess great energy; and go away, having
bewitched people (by their beauty). Save what comes from
these deer, there is no other evil to be encountered here."
Hearing those words of the Maharshi^ the placid elder
brother of Lakshmana, taking up his bow with the arrow setj
said "O exalted one, if by means of sharpened shafts blazing
like lightning, I slay those herds of deer when they
come, it shall impart pain unto thee,' — and what can be more
unfortunate than this ? Therefore I shall not be able to
dwell long in this asylum.'' Having said this, Rlma ceaseJ
and became engaged in his evening adorations, and, having
finished them, along with Sit2L and Laksbmana fixed his
quarters in the asylum of Sutikshna. Then, when the evening
had passed away and night fell, Sutikshna, having done
homage unto those chiefs of men, offered them excellent fare,
suitable to ascetics.

SECTION VIM.

mmt

XLaving been well entertained by Sutikshna, RSlma in
company with Sumitr2L*s son, having passed away the night
there, awoke in the morning. And arising in due time,

iRANyAKANDAM, 521

K&ma along with Sit&, bathed in cool waters odorous
with th« aroma of lotuses ; and having in proper time duly
worshipped Fire as well as the deities, in that forest con-
taining abodes of ascetics, RSma, Lakshmana and Videha's
daughter, their sins purged off, seeing the sun risen, approach-
ed Sutikshna and spoke unto him these mild words, say-
ing— '* O Reverend sir, we have stayed here pleasantly,
being excellently ministered unto by thse. We greet thee,
and go away. The ascetics urge speed upon us. We hast-
en to view the collections of asylums that belong unto the
holy sages inhabiting the forest of Dandaka. Now we
^crave thy permission along with that of these foremost of
anchorites, steady in virtue, crowned with asceticism and
self-controled, resembling smokeless flames. And we intend
to set out ere the sun, like unto a low-sprung one that hath
attained to auspicious fortune through evil ways, with rays in-
capable of being borne, shines too fiercely." Having said this,
RAghava along with SitA and Sumitr^'s son bowed down
unto the ascetic's feet. And as they touched his feet, tlmt
best of ascetics, raising RSLma and Lakshmana up, embraced
them closely and said, " O Rama, go thy way safely, in com-
pany with SumitrSi's son and this SitSl that foUoweth thee
like a shadow. Behold the beauteous asylums, O hero, of
these pure-spirited ascetics inhabiting the forest of Dandaka.
Thou wilt see blossoming woods garnishod with fruits and
roots, containing goodly deer, and mild feathered tribes;
tanks and pools laughing with blown lotuses, containing
pleasant waters, and abounding in Kirandavas ; charming
mountain-springs ; and romantic forests picturesque with pea-
cocks. Go, O child 'y and go thou also, O Sumitra'a son.
And come again to my asylum after having seen these." Thus
addressed, Klikutstha along with Lakshmana, having gone
round the ascetic, prepared for departing. Then Sita of ex-
pansive eyes handed to the brothers excellent quivers, bows
and shining swords. Then fastening the graceful quivers,

S^2 RlAJlrAt/A.

and taking the sweet-sounding bows, l)oth RSma and Laksb*
mana issued from the hermitage. And permitted by the
Maharshi, the RSghavas furnished with grace, equipped with
bows and scimitars, swiftly set out along with SitSL

SECTION IX

W HEN the son of Raghu had set out with Sutikshna'spcr*
mission, Sit3 addressed him in affectionate .words and
convincing speech, saying, — ^'Although thou art great
and foUowest the narrow way (of righteousness), yet thou art
on the eve of entering into unrighteousness. But thou
couldst by refraining from action, eschew this unrighteousness
that springs from an evil begot of desire. This evil begot
of desire is threefold. One prominent ^evil is falsehood,
and both the others are of weightier significance, — associa^
tion with others' wives, and vindictiveness without any
(basis oO hostility. Falsehood, O R&ghava, hath never been
thine, nor can it ever be thine (in the future). Nor yet, O
foremost of men, canst thou ever even in fancy be (guilty of)
going after others' wives, which marreth all religious merit.
These, O Rama, are by no means in thee. O King's son, tliott
ever and a day directest thy attentions unto thy own wife.
And thou art righteous and truthful and doest the will of thy
sire. In thee are established virtue and truth — ^and every
things and by help of thy conquered senses, thou, O mighty-
armed one, art capable of bearing everything. And, O thou
of a gracious presence, thine is control over sense. The third
evil that leads men through ignorance to bear hostility towards
others without any (cause of) hostility, is now present (unto
thee). Thou hast, O hero, for the protection of the saints
dwelling in the forest of Dandaka, promised the slaughter
of R^kshasas in battle. And it is for this reason that equip*

iRANrAKANDAM, ^2%

pied with bows and arrows, thou hast along with thy brother
set out for the forest known as Dandaka. Seeing thee set out,
my mind reflecting on thy truthfulness as well as thy hkppi--
ness in this world and welfare in the next, is wrought up
with anxiety. And, O hero, I do not relish this journey to
Dandaka. Thereof I will tell thee the reason. Do thou listen
to me as I tell thee. Bearing bows and arrows in thy hands,
thou hast come to the wood along with thy brother ; and (it
may well happen) that seeing grim rangers of the forest,
thou mayst discharge thy shafts. And even as the vicinity of
faggots increases the energy of (ire, the proximity of (the bow)
enhances the strength and energy of the Kshatriya. Former-
ly, O long-armed one, in a sacred wood haunted by beasts
and birds, there lived a truthful ascetic of a pure person. In-
tending to disturb his austerities, Sachi's lord, Indra,
bearing a sword in his hand, came to the asylum in the guise
of a warrior. And in that asylum, that excellent scimitar
was deposited as a trust with that righteous person practis-
ing asceticism. Receiving that weapon, that ascetic intent
upon preserving his trust, rangeth the forest, maintaining his
faith. And intent upon preserving his trust, he goeth no-
where for procuring fruits and roots without that sword
deposited with him as a trust. Constantly carrying the sword,.
by degrees, the ascetic, foregoing all thoughts about ascetic
cism, had his mind involved in fierce sentiments. Thus in
consequence of bearing that weapoa, that ascetic taken up^
with fierce thoughts, losing his sobriety and led astray fron»
righteousness, went to heH. This ancient story anent the
carrying of arms, asserts that even as fire worketh change in:
a piece of wood, the presence of arms worketh alteration ia
the mind of him bearing them. From affection and the high
honor in which I hold thee, I merely remind thee of this matter.
I do not teach thee. Equipped with bows as thou art, thou
shouldst renounce all thoughts of slaying without hostility the
RIkshasas residing in Dandaka. Without offence none should

524 HlMlrANJ.

be stain. — It is the duty of Kshatriya heroes by ineaas of t
bows to protect persons of subdued souls, come by
calamity. Wl.ere are arms ? And where is the fon
Where is Kshatriya virtue ? And where is asceticism ? Tl
are opposed to each other, — let us, therefore, hofx>r
morality that pertains to this (dace. From. following ai
one's sense gets befouled and deformed. Again groing
AyodhyS, thou wilt observe the duties of Kshatri
Then my mother-in-law and father-in-law shall ex|
ience enduring delight, if, having renounced the kingd
thou lead the Hfe of an ascetic. Interest springs fi
righteousnes ; and happiness also results therefr
One attains everything through righteousness — in
world the only substantial thmg. Repressing self
diverse restrictions, intelligent people attain righteousnc
but virtue crowned with felicity,is incapable of being attai
by following pleasure. O mild one, ever cherishing thy he
in purity, do thou practise piety in the wood of ascetici
Everything — the three worlds — are truly known unto tl
I have spoken this through feminine fickleness. Who
speak of righteousness unto thee ? Reflecting on and unc
standing things, do thou along with thy younger brot
speedily do what thou likest.^

SECTION X.

H EARING VaidehPs words spoken through high reg
(for her husband), RSma with his energy enhanced, answe

Janaka's daughter, saying, "O noble lady, thou hast spol

mild words fraught with worth and profit ; and, O JanaL

daughter versed in virtue, thou hast expounded the dut

of Kshatriyas. What, O exalted one, shall I say ? Thou h

thyself by thy words (furnished an answer to what U

IRANYA KIND AM, 515

hadst said). Kshatriyas wear bows in order that the word
distressed' may not exist (on earth). O Sit2L, those ascetics
of severe vows that are beset with perils in Dandaka, having
personally come unto me, who am their refuge, have sought
protection at my hands. Always dwelling in the forest,' sub-
sisting on fruits and roots, they on account of RUkshasas of
cruel deeds, do not, O timid one, attain ease. These ascetics
are devoured by terrible RSLkshasas) living on human flesh.
Being eaten up (by the RSkshasas), the anchorites Hying io
the forest of Dandaka— those best of the twice-born ones —
said unto us — 'Be thou gracious unto us.' Hearing those
words of theirs which fell from their lips, I, resolving to act
in accordance with their request, said,— 'Be ye propitious/
This is surpassing shame unto me that such Vipras who
themselves are worthy of being sought, seek me. What shall
I do ? I said this in the presence of those twice-born ones.
Thereat all those that had come, said, 'We have been, O
R^ma, immensely harassed in the forest of Dandaka by
R§kshasas wearing shapes at will. Do thou deliver us. These
irrepressible RSLkshasas living on human flesh vanquish us at
the time of Homa^ and on the occasions of Pafvas, O sinless
one. Of the saints and ascetics afflicted by the R^kshasas,
who are on the search for their refuge, thou art cur best
refuge. We can by virtue of the energy of our asceticism
easily destroy the rangers of the night ; but we are loath
to lose our asceticism earned in a long time. O R§ghava^
our austerities are constantly disturbed, and we can hardly
perform them. Therefore, although sore afflicted and
devoured by the Rftkshasas dwelling in the forest of Dandaka^
we do not cast our curse on them. Thou along with thy^
brother art our protector : thou art our master in this forest.*^
Having beard these words, I promised my perfect protection*
unto the saints in the forest of Dandaka, O daughter of
Janaka. Having promised, I living cannot violate my vow
concerning the ascetics ; verily truth is ever dear unto me-.

St6

rXMXyaNA:

I had rather renounce my life, or thee, O Sitii along widr
Lakshmana, — ^but by no means my promise made, especially
unto Br^hmanas. O Videha's daughter, the protection of
the saints is incumbent on me even without any represent-
ation,— and what (shall I say) when I have promised the
same ? Thou hast spoken this unto me through affectio*
and friendship. I have been well pleased with thee, O Sitl.
One doth not instruct another that one doth not bear affectiot
to. O beauteous damsel, (what thou hast said) is worthy of
both thy love and thy race. " Having said these words unto
MithilSL's princess, the beloved SitSL, the high-souled Rtaia»
equipped with bows, along with Lakshmana, directed hit
steps towards the inviting woods of asceticism.

SECTION XI.

■»^^*'

J\;Ama went first ; in the middle, SitSL \ and bear-
ing a bow in his hand, Lakshmana went in their wake I
And they went with Siti, seeing many mountain-peak%
and forests, and delightful streams, and Chakrav&kaf]
haunting river islets, and tanks with lotuses contains
ing aquatic birds, and herds of deer, and horned baf-*]
(alos maddened with juices, and boars, and elephants— oj
foes to trees. Having proceeded a long way, when the'
sun was aslant, they together saw a delightful tank^
measttftBg- ^a^'TZy t*?^» fiJ'ed with red and pale lotusei^^
graced with herds of elephants, and abounding in aquj
cranes, swans and Kadanivas. And in that tank conteinin|
charming and pleasant waters, they heard sounds of son|
and instrumental music ; but no one was seen thereJ
Thereat, from curiosity, RSma and Lakshmana— mighl
car-warrior — masked an ascetic named Dharmabhrit, say-

XRINrAKlNDAM: s»7

bg, "Hearing* this mighty wonder, w« have been
worked up with fntense curiosity. Do thou tell us what
this is." Thus accosted by RSghava, the ascetic then
at once began to expatiate over the poteney of the pool.
"This tank goes by the name of PanchSpsarS, and is always
Riled with water. It was madej O RSma, by the ascetic
MSodakarni,by virtue of bis asceticism. In yonder tank, the
mighty ascetic, living on air, performed signal austerities for
tea thousand years. Thereat, exceedingly agitated, all the
deities with Agni at their head, .assembled together, said,
'This ascetic wishes lo have the position of one of us.' Thus
all the deities present there were filled with anxiety. Then
with the view of disturbing his austerities, the deities ordered
five principal ApsarSs, possessed of the splendour of live
lightning. And for compassing the end of the celestials, that
ascetic conversant with the morality and otherwise as well
of this life as that to come, was brought by those Apsar&s
under the sway of Madana. And those five ApsarSs (ulti-
mately) became the wives of the ascetic ; and their hidden
residence was reared in the pool. And there the five
Apsaris living happily, pleased the anchorite, established in
youth through asceticism and yoga. As thy sport, we hear
the Sounds of their musical instruments, and the sweet voice
of their song mixed with the tinklings of their instruments."
{Hearing thb), the illustrious RSghava along with his brother
declared the story narrated by that one of a pure heart to
be wonderful. Thus conversing, RSma saw the collection
ofasyluins, strewn with Ku^a and bark, and be-girt with
eiie^7 derived from Brahma lore. Entering (the place) along
wiA Vaidehi and Lakshmana, the highly famous RSighava
dwell there respected by all the ascetics. Having happily
dwelt in those collections of graceful asylums, honored of
the Maharshis, K^kutslha by turns went to the hermitages of
those ascetics with whom that one well versed in arms had

5*8 HljIiirANA.

dwelt before. And Rtghava happily passed his days some-
where for ten months, somewhere for one year, somewhere
for four months somewhere for five or six months, somewhere
for many months, somewhere for a month and a half, — some-
where for more, somewhere for three months, and somewhere
for eight. And as R2ima lived in the asylums of the
ascetics and amused himself through their good graces, ten
years were passed away (in this way). Having gone round
the asylums of all the ascetics, R§ghava cognizant of
righteousness returned to the hermitage of Sutikshna. Coming
to this asylum, respected by the ascetics, that subduer of
enemies, RS.ma, stayed there for a time. Once upon a time,
as Ktkutstha dwelling in that asylum was seated, he humbly
observed unto that great ascetic, ''I have always heard from
men speaking on the subject that that foremost of ascetics,^
the reverend Agastya, lives in this forest. On account of
the vastness of this forest, I do not know that place. Where
is the hermitage of that intelligent Maharshi ? For propitiating
that revered one, I, accompanied by my brother and Sit§, will
go to Agastya for paying our respects unto the ascetic. This
great desire is burning in my heart, that I should myself
minister unto that best of anchorets.'' Hearing these words
of the righteous-souled R^ma, Sutikhna, well pleased,
answered Da^aratha's son, saying, '4 also am desirous of
telling thee this along with Lakshmana. Repair unto
Agastya in company with Sit§, O RSghava. By luck thou
hast thyself said this unto me as to thy purpose. I will, O
Rama, tell thee where that mighty ascetic, Agastya, is. My
child, go four miles from the hermitage in a southerly direc-
tion ; and thou wilt come to the hermitage of the brother of
the auspicious Agastya situated on a land covered with trees,
graced with Pippalt woods, abounding in fruits and flowers,
charming, and resonant with the notes of various birds. There
are many tanks containing delightful waters, swarming with
swans and K^randavas, and beauteous with Chakravakas. ^

AJ^A NFA A' and a M. 529

ssing a night there, do thou, O Rama, in the morning,
cing a southerly course, go by the skirts of the forest tract.
,ssing a yojanUy thou shalt come upon Agastya's asylum,
:ated at a charming woodland graced with many a tree,
lere Videha's daughter and Lakshmana shall experience
light in thy company. O magnanimous one, if thou intend
see the mighty ascetic, Agastya, in that charming wood-
id, containing a great many trees, then do thou make up
yr mind to set out this very day." Hearing these words of
5 anchoret, Rama, saluting him, along with his brother, set

for Agastya*s (place) with his younger brother and Sita.
id, pleasantly proceeding by the way directed by Sutikshna,
sing picturesque woods, hills resembling clouds, watery
panses and streams flowing by their path ; RSma filled with
light said these words unto Lakshmana, '*Surely we see the
^lum of that high-souled one, the ascetic, Agastya's brother

pious acts. These trees standing by thousands on
I way bending beneath the weight of fruits and
wers, bear the signs that had been mentioned to me as
longing to this wood. And from the wood is w-afted by
* wind the pungent odour of ripe pippalis. And here and
•re are found heaps of fire-wood, and torn Darva are seen,
the lustre of lapises. And the top of the column of smoke
longing unto the fire lit in the asylum in this wood,
pears like the peak of a dark mountain. And tw^ice-born
es, having performed their ablutions in sacred and retired
thing places, are offering flowers gathered by themselves,
placid one, from what I had heard from Sutikshna, this
>uld appear to be the asylum of Agastya's brother. The
jhteous Agastya it is who, wishing for the welfare of the
»rlds, destroying by virtue of his austerities a Daitya re-
nbling Death, hath rendered this quarter habitable. Once
a time here dwelt together two mighty Asuras, brothers,
^en to slaughtering Brahmanas — the wily Vatapi and Ilwala.
earing the form of a Brahmana, and speaking Sanskrit,

' 1

53© RImXYANA.

the cruel one used to invite Vipras to a Srdddha. And, cook-
ing his brother wearing the shape of a sheep, he used to feed
the twice-born ones according to the rites prescribed fof
Sr&ddhas. Then when the Vipras had fed, Ilwala said, —
'•O VatSpi, come out, uttering a loud sound." Hearing his
brother's words, VStSpi, bleating like a sheep, came out, riving
their bodies. In this way, thousands of BrSLhmanas gathered
together, were destroyed by flesh-eating ones wearing shapes
at will. (And it came to pass that once upon a time) the
Maharshi Agastya, having been invited to a SrSddha, fed on
the mighty Asura. Thereupon uttering — 'Finished' and offer-
ing water to wash hands with, Ilwala said unto his brother,
'Come out' \ And, as that brother of VatSpi, given to slaught*
ering Vipras was speaking thus, that foremost of ascetics^
the intelligent Agastya, said with a laugh, 'Where is the
power of coming out, of the Rlkshasa, thy brother wearing
the shape of a sheep, who hath gone to Yama's abode ?*
Hearing his words, from wrath the ranger of the night pre-
pared to assail the ascetic, and he rushed against that fore*
most of the twice-born ones. And, being consumed by that
ascetic of flaming energy with his eyes resembling fir^, the
Rlkshasa met his end. This asylum gp'aced with pools and
groves belongs to the brother of him who hath performed
this arduous feat from compassion for the Vipras'. As
Reima was thus conversing with SumitrSL's son, the sun
set and evening approached. Then, duly performing his
afternoon adorations along with his brother, R^Lma entered
the hermitage, and saluted the ascetic. Well received by the
ascetic, RSLghava spent there a night, eating fruits and roots.
When the night had passed away, and the solar disc arose,
Raghava greeted Agastya's brother, saying, "O reverend
Sir, I salute thee. I have pleasantly passed the night. I greet
thee i I shall go to behold my preceptor, thy elder brother."^
Thereat, on the ascetic's saying, 'Go thou,' the descendant of
Raghu went away by the prescribed route. And R&ma viewed

iRANYAKlNDAM, ni

the forest, and Nihiras, and Panamas, and Salas, Vanjulas
and Tinisas, and Chirivilwas, and Madhukas. and Vilvas, and
Tindukas, — all in full flower, and graced with blossoming
creepers, and trees in the wood by hundreds, roughly handled
by elephants with their trunks, and graced by monkeys, and
resounding with the voices of an hundred maddened warblers.
Then the lotus-eyed R^ma said unto that enhancer of auspi-
ciousness, the heroic Lakshmana, who was by him, and was
following him at his back, 'The leaves of these trees are
glossy, and the beasts and birds are mild, even as (we had
been told). The asylum of the pure-hearted Maharshi must
not be far. This asylum capable of removing the fatigue of
the weary, belonging to him that is known among men as
Agastya by his own acts, is seen, with the (neighbouring
woods) filled with smoke, and itself decorated with bark and
wreaths, containing herds of mild deer, and ringing with the
notes of various birds. This is the asylum of that pious one,
who destroying (the Asura resembling) Death, hath, desirous
of the welfare of mankind, rendered the Southern quarter
habitable, and through whose potency the R&kshasas from
fear barely cast their eyes in this direction, but do not ap-
proach. Ever since that one of pious ways possessed himself
of this quarter, the rangers of the night have foregone their
hostility, and assumed a peaceful attitude. This South-
ern quarter rendered safe (by Agastya),and incapable of being
harassed by those ones of tortuous ways, is celebrated over
the three worlds in conection with the name of the reverend
ascetic. And this graceful asylum ranged by mild beasts
belongs to that long-lived one of renowned achievements —
Agastya — in obedience to whose command, the Vindhya
mountain — foremost of its kind — which had always obstructed
ihe way of the Sun, doth not increase. This pious one
honored of men, ever engaged in the welfare of the righteous,
shall do good unto us. who have come to him. 1 shall adore
the mighty ascetic, Agastya, and, O mild one, O master, here

pass away the remainder of the term of my banishrn
Here celestials with the Gandharbas, and Siddhas and <
nent saints, observing restrictions in respect of food,
adore Agastya. And the ascetic is such that a liar cai
live here, nor a cunning or a crafty person, nor a wicked wi
nor one that is given to unrighteousness. And ado
righteousness, celestials, and Yakshas, and Nagas, and bi
live here restricting their fare. And high-souled Sid<
and eminent saints, renouncing their bodies, repair to
celestial regions in cars resembling the sun. And ad
by auspicious individuals, the deities here confer on them
states of Yakshas and celestials, and divers kingdoms
SumitrS's son, entering the asylum before us, do thou
nounce unto the saints that I along with Sita, have arr
here."

SECTION xn.

XjLaving entered the asylum, RSghava's you
brother, Lakshmana, coming to a disciple of Agastya, s]
unto him, saying, 'There was a king, named Da9ari
His eldest son, the strong Rama, hath come (to this asy
along with his wife, Sita, for seeing the ascetic. — Ns
lakshmana, I am his younger brother, obedient and dev
to him. — Thou mayst have heard of it. Having entered
horrid forest, in consonance with the mandate of our
we desire to sec the reverend one. Tell this unto h
llearinj^ Lakshmana's words, that ascetic, saying. "So be
entered the chamber of the sacrificial fire, for the pur
of communicating (tlie news unto Agastya). Entering
A.;astva's beloved disciple, with joined hands communic
unto that fore-most of nsc(,-tics, incapable of being repress

• Sumc tcxlb ; — Effulgent.

ARANFAKXNDAM. 533

exactly what Lakshmana had told him, — ''For Seeing the
reverend one, and serving him as well, those subduers of
their foes, Da^aratha's sons, Rama and Lakshmana, accom-
panied by Sita, have entered this asylum. It now behoves
thee to command what is to be done next/' Hearing from
his disciple that RiLma had come along with Lakshmana
and the highly virtuous Vaidehi, Agastya said, *'By luck it
is that after a long time, Rama hath come to see me. I had
mentally wished for his arrival. Go thou ; and let Rama,
having been respectfully received, come before me. Why
hast thou not brought him thyself?'' Thus addressed by the
high-souled and righteous ascetic, the disciple saluting him,
with joined hands, said, ''So be it." Then issuing out, the
disciple said unto Lakshmana, **Where is Rama ? Let him
come and enter in." Threat, going to the asylum in company
with the disciple (of Agastya), Lakshmana showed unto him
Kakutstha and the daughter of Janaka, Sit3. Then joyfully
communicating unto Rama the words of the reverend one,
the disciple (of Aga:stya) duly took in that one worthy of
being honored. And seeing the asylum teeming with mild
deer, Rama entered in with Lakshmana and SitS. And there
Rama beheld the place of BrahmSl, and that of Agni, — that of
Vishnu, and that of the great Indra, the place of Vivasvvat,
and that of Soma, and that of Bhaga, and that of Dhata and
VidhatS, and that of Vayu, and that of the high-souled
Varuna having the noose in his hand, and that of Gayatri'
and that of the Vasus, and that of the monarch of the Ndgas,
and that of Garura, and that of Kartikeya, and that of Dharma.
And it came to pass that, surrounded by his disciples, the
ascetic came (before Rama). And Rama saw that one of
flaming energy at the head of the ascetics ; and the hera
said unto Lakshmana, enhancer of auspiciousness, **0
Lakshmana, the revered saint, Agastya, is coming out. I
recognize that mass of asceticism by a certain kind of majesty
(that characterizes him)." Having said this touching Agastya*

534 RIMTlTANA.

•

of the splendour of the sun, that son of Raghu took hold
of his feet. Then, having paid him homage, RUma with
joined hands stood there in company with Videha's daughter,
Sita, and Lakshmana. Thereat, embracing Rama and honor-
ing him with water and a seat, and asking him questions
anent his welfare, the saint said, ^'Welcome !" Offering
oblations unto the fire, and presenting Arghya unto the
guests, and paying them homage, that ascetic entertained
them with food in accordance with the V&nasprastha mode
of life ; and then first sitting down, that foremost of ascetics,
the pious Agastya, addressed RSima cognizant of righteous-
ness, staying with joined hands, ''O KSkutstha, if an ascetic
acts otherwise (in respect of a guest,) he in the next
world feeds on his own flesh, like a false witness. The
sovereign of all the worlds, righteous, a mighty car warrior,
worthy of being honored and worshipped, thou hast become
our beloved guest." Having said this, Agastya, according to
his desire, worshipping Raghava with fruits, roots and flowers,
said unto him, "O foremost of men, this mighty, celestial bovr
belonging unto Vishnu, and constructed by Vicwakarmi,
and this best of arrows (named) Brahmadatta, infallible
and resembling the sun, and this inexhaustible couple of
quivers filled with sharpened shafts, like unto flaming fire;
were granted unto me by the mighty Indra. And here il
this mighty golden scabbard, and this sword decked
in gold. Having, O Rima, slain the mighty Asunf
with this bow, Vishnu in days of yore in battle
secured the effulgent Fortune of the celestials. O be$»
tower of honor, do thou for securing victory, take tbit
bow, these quivers, this arrow, and this scimitar, like the
holder of the thunderbolt, taking the same." Having said this,
that highly energetic one, the reverend Agastya, consigning
unto R^ma all those weapons, again said.

iRANYAKlNDAM. 535

SECTION XIII.

Rama, I am pleased with thee ; good betide thee !
And, O Lakshmana, I am gratified by thee. Ye are
in trouble in consequence of the great fatigue that ye
have undergone on the way. And Janaka's daughter, the
noble Maithili, is evidently eager (for rest). Of tender years
and unknown to hardship, she hath come to the forest rife
with troubles, being urged by the love she bears unto her lord.
Do thou, O RSLma, conduct thyself so, that Sit^ may find a
pleasant time of it. By following thee to the forest, it is a
hard task that she is performing. O son of Raghu, this hath ,
been the nature of the fair sex from the commencement of
creation, that they gladden him that is well off, and forsake
a person in adversity. And women imitate the instability of
lightning, the sharpness of weapons,and the celerity of Garura
and the wind^. But this wife of thine is absolutely free from
all these defects ; she is worthy of being extolled and the
foremost of those devoted to their lord, like Arundhati
among the gods. This region, O R^ma, will be adorned,
since, O subduer of enemies, thou along with Vaidehi and
Sumitr&'s son, wilt dwell here." Thus addressed by the ascetic,
R&ghava, joining his hands, humbly observed unto that saint
resembling flaming fire, '' Blessed and beholden am I, since
the foremost of ascetics is gratified with my merits as well as
with those of my brother and wife. Do thou now direct me to
a country well watered, and abounding in woods, where rear-
ing an asylum, I may dwell delightfully and pleasantly.*
Hearing R&ma's words, that best of ascetics, reflecting for a
while, spoke these excellent words, '*Two Yojanas hence, my
child, is a region abounding in fruits and roots, containing

* The commentator explains : — They imitate the lightning in changing
their residence, the sharpness of weapons in severing affection, and the celerity
ef Garura or the wind in doing wrong. — T*.

536 RXmAFANA.

countless deer, and Jbeautiful — known by the name of Pancha-
vati. Repairing thither, do thou, rearing an asylum, pass
thy time pleasantly in company with Sumitra's son, duly doing
the mandate of thy sire. O sinless one, all this news relating
to thyself; has from affection been known to me through the
potency of my asceticism, as also that relating to Da^aratha.
Although thou hast promised to dwell with me in this ascetic
grove, yet by virtue of my asceticism I know the desire that is
in thy heart. I therefore tell thee, repair to Panchavati.' That
is a charming woodland, and there Mithila*s daughter shall
dwell with delight. And that tract is worthy of all praise,
and, O Rlghava, it is not distant from here. — It is in the
vicinity of the Godavari. Mithila's daughter shall live there
agreeably. And that spot abounds in fruits and roots, is
frequented by various fowls, is retired, O mighty-armed one,
and is sacred and beautiful. And thou of pure ways, and
competent to protect the ascetics, shall, O Rama, protect
them. O hero, yonder is the mighty wood of Madhukas.
Directing thy course to the asylum of Nagrodha trees, go by
the north of this Madhuka wood. Then arriving at a spot hard
by a hill, (thou wilt) come upon the celebrated Panchavati,
crowned with blossoming woods.*' Thus accosted by Agastya,
Rama along with Sumitra's son, honouring the truth-speaking
saint, greeted him. Then, having saluted his feet, they, taking
the saint's permission^ set out along with SitS for the hermit-
age of Panchavati. And, taking their bows and quivers those
sons of the king, of undiminished martial virtue, with intent
minds bent their course to Panchavati by the way laid down
by the Maharshi.

ARANVAKJlNDAM, 537

SECTION XIV.

jfxs he was proceeding to Panchavati, Raghu's son saw a
huge-bodied vulture of terrible prowess. And seeing him in

' the forest, the exalted Rama and Lakshmana, as they were
conversing iVith each other, knowinsf the bird to be (in reality)
a Rakshasa, asked him, saying, '*Who art thou ?" There-

\ upon, in soft and sweet words, he, pleasing them, said, *'My
child, know me for a friend of thy father.*' Knowing him to
be a friend of his sire, R§ghava paid him homage, and'
enquired for his name and lineage. Hearing RSLma's words,
he mentioned his o vn lineage, and related the origin of all
beings. *'0 mighty-armed one, I shall describe (unto thee)
from the very beginning the (history of) those that were
Prajapatis in days of yore. Listen, O RSghava. Of these,
the first is Kardama, then Vikrita, and then Sesha, Sancraya,
the powerful Vahuputra, Sthinu, Marichi, Atri, the mighty
Kratu, Pulastya, Angira, Pracheta, Pulaha, Daksha,
Vivaswat, Arishtanemi, O Rlghava, and the exceedingly
energetic Ka^yapa. These had the west. The PrajSpati
Daksha, it hath been heard by us, O R3ma, had sixty famous
and illustrious daughters. Of these Ka9yapa wed eight,
with elegant waists; — Aditi, Diti, Danu, KalikS,* TamrS,
KrodhavasS, Manu and AnalS. Then, well pleased, Ka^yapa
again said unto those damsels, "Do thou bring forth sons like
unto myself, who shall be lords of the three worlds.' There-
at, Aditi, O RSma, Diti, Danu, and KSlikS, O mighty-armed
one, consented, — the rest were of another mind. And of
Aditi were born thirty-three deities, O repressor of thy foes,
vtB.f the Adityas, the Vasus, the Rudras, and the A9winas, O
subduer of enemies. And, my child, Diti gave birth to those
sons, the renowned Daityas. Formerly, this earth girt with
seas was in the possession of these. And, O vanquisher of

• Some texts : — Kalaka.~^T.

53^ ^iMiyAXA.

thy fo<^s, Danu-gave birth to a son, named, Afwagriva. And
K&lik^ brought forth ' Naraka and K&laka. And T§mra gave
birth to these five daughters celebrated in the world, —
Kraunchi, Bh3Lsi, Syeni, Dhritarshtri, and Suki. And Kraun-
chi gave birth to the Ulukas, and BhSisi, to BhSsas, and
Syeni to hawks and vultures possessed of energy ; and
Dhritarashtri to swans, all kinds of Kalahansas, and
Chakravakas. and that damsel, Suki, to Nat5. And
Vinata was Nata's daughter. And KrodhavasS, O RSraa,
brought forth ten daughters, vtjs., Mrigi, MrigamandS, Hari,
BhadramadS, MStangi, Sarduli, SwetS, Surabhi crowned
with every (auspicious mark), SurasS and KadrukS. And,
thou foremost of the best of men, Mrigi's sons were
all the deer, and those of Mrigamanda were bears, SrimSras
and Chamaras. And Bhadramad& bore one daughter, IrSvati.
And IrSvati^s son is the mighty elephant, who is the lord of the
worlds. And Hari's sons are lions and the nimble monkeys.
And SSrduli brought forth as her sons, GolSngulas, and
tigers ; and the offspring^ of MSltangi were mad elephants,
O best of men. And Swet5, O Kakutstha, gave birth to
the elephants of the cardinal points. And, O Rama,
Surabhi gave birth unto two daughters — the famous Rohini,
and Gandharbi. Rohini produced kine, and the sons of
Gandharbi are horses. And SurasS, O RSLma, gave birth to
N5gas, and Kadru, to Pannagas. And KS^yapa's other
wife Manu begot mankind — BrShmanas, Kshatriyas,
Vai9yas, and Sudras. From the mouth, it is known,
sprang BrShmanas, from the breast, Kshatriyas, from the
thighs, Vai9yas, and from the feet, Sudras. And Anala pro-
duced all trees bearing sacred fruits. Vinata (was) Suki's
grand-daughter, and Kadru, SurasS's aunt. And Kadru gave
birth to a thousand NSgas with the holder of the Earth. And
VinatSL brought forth two sons, — Garura, and Aruna. And
from Aruna sprang myself and my elder brother SampMi. O
subduer of enemies, know me for Jatdyu, the son of Syeni.

iRANYAKlNDAM. 539

If thou will, I shall become thy help during thy abode (in the
woods). And, O child, I shall protect SitSi when thou shalt
go out along with Lakshmana." There RSghava paying homage
unto Jataiyu, and embracing him joyfully, bent low; and that
self-possessed one listened to the story of JatSyu's friend-
ship with his father, as related by him repeatedly. Then
consigning unto that bird of exceeding strength, MikhilU's
daughter, Sit^, R§ma accompanied by Lakshmana went to
Panchavati, destroying his foes and protecting the worlds.

SECTION XV.

Xhen repairing to Panchavati filled with various animals
and beasts of prey, R&ma remarked unto his brother of flam-
ing energy, "(Now) we have come to the place to which we
had been directed by the ascetic. This, O amiable one, is
Panchavati furnished with blossoming woods. Do thou cast
thy eyes around this forest, and (ascertain) what spot shall
suit our asylum. Do thou find out such a place in the vici-
nity of a tank where thyself Sita and I may dwell happily,
which is graced with the garniture of woods and delightful
with liquid lapses, and whose neighbourhood yeilds fuel,
flowers, Ku^a and water.'* Thus addressed by Rama, Laksh-
mana with joined hands, said unto Kakutstha in the presence
of Sita, "O Kakutstha, even if I were to stay with thee for
an hundred years, I shall remain thy servant. Thyself
selecting some beauteous spot, do thou tell me — 'Construct
(an asylum).*'* Well pleased with the words of Lakshmana,
that highly effulgent one, after due reflection, selected a site
having every recommendation. Goinf^^ to that romantic spot
for rearing an asylum, Rama, takino* the hand of SumitrS's
son in his, said unto him, "This place is level, graceful, and
surrounded with blossoming trees. Do thou duly construct

540 RlMlVANA.

an asylum at this spot. Hard by is seen a beautiful pool,
embellished with lotuses, resembling the sun, and breathing
balmy perfume. And, as told by that pure-hearted ascetic,
Agastya, this is the graceful Godavari, bordered by flowering
trees; — swarming with swans and K^randavas, delighted with
ChakravSikas ; thronged with herds of deer*, not far, yet not
so very near. And resounding with the cries of peacocks ;
charming ; elevated ; containing full many a cave ; do thou, O
amiable one, behold these hills, covered with trees in full
flower; and they are shining like elephants painted with
diverse colors by persons with the utmost care ; adorned
with ScLlas, palmyras, Tam^las, dates Panasas, NivSiras,
Tinisas, and PunnSLgas. And covered with mangos, and
Tilakas, and Ketakas, and Champakas, and trees entwined
by flowers and herbs and plants ; and containing Syandanas,
sandals, Nipas, Panasas, Lakuchas, Dhavas, A^wakarnas^
Khadiras, Samis, Kin9ukas and Patalas. This spot is sacred
— this spot is charming — this spot abounds in beasts and
birds. Here will I dwell, O SumitrH's son, in company with
this birdt." Thus addressed by R§ma, the exceedingly
powerful Lakshmana, slayer of hostile heroes, in a short time
raised an asylum for his brother. And the exceedingly stout
Lakshmana created there for Rftghava a spacious hut thatched
with leaves made of clay, furnished with pillars, construct-
ed with long bamboos, graceful, — spread with Sami boughs ;
tightly fastened with strong cords ; covered with KU9I,
reeds, and leaves ; with its floor well leveled ; and charming;
beautiful to look at, and exceedingly excellent. And then
going to the river Godavari, the lovely Lakshmana, perform-
ing his bath, and securing lotuses and fruits, came back (to
the asylum). Then offering flowers, and duly performing
rites for the peace (of the habitation), Lakshmana showed
the asylum which he had made unto Rama. Seeing the

• Cotne to slake their thirst. — Rimilyana. — T.
t Jatiyu. — T.

iRANrAKlNDAM. 541

beautiful asylum along with Sita, Rfighava experienced high
raptures. And joyfully embracing Lakshmana with his arms,
Rima said these exceedingly calm and solemn words, ^'Pleased
am I with thee. Thou hast done a great deed, my brother ;
for which I have granted thee my embrace by way of re-
ward. While thou, his son, skilled in reading thought,
grateful, and cognizant of righteousness art alive, O Laksh-
mana, my father is not dead.'' Having said this unto Laksh-
mana, R5ghava-the enhancer of auspiciousness — experiencing
felicity, began to dwell happily in that region filled with fruits.
And ministered unto by Siti and Lakshmana, that righteous
one lived there, like the immortals in heaven.

SECTION XVI.

»^>»*

jcSk3 the high-souled RJghava was dwelling there peace-
fully, after autumn had departed, the welcome winter com-
menced. And it came to pass that once on a time, when the
night had passed away and day broke, that son of Raghu
went to the romantic river GodJvari for performing his bath.
And as the humble son of SumitrS RSma's puissant brother
bearing a water pitcher in his hand was following R^ima along
with Sits at his back, the former said unto Rama, "0 sweet-
speeched one, now is come that season which thou hast ever
held dear; and as if decorated by which comes on the entire
auspicious year. Now people have their persons rendered
rough from dew ; the earth is replenished with corn ; water
is difficult of being used ; and fire becomes enjoyable. And
men having worshipped the gods and the Pitris by celebrating
Agrayana on the occasion of partaking new rice, have at
this season, their sins purged off. The provinces overflow
with food, and abound in milk and articles prepared there-
from ; and kings bent on conquest, range about for surveying

54a nlMlrANA.

them. And on the sun having veered steadily to the quarter
presided over by the Destroyer*, the north appears like a
female without her tilaka\. Naturally abounding in snow,
and now having the sun at a great distance, the mountain
Himav&nj: justly beareth that name. At miday the days are
delightful to a degree to range in, feel highly agreeable, and
have pleasant suns ; while shade and water are uncomfort-
able. And the days now have mild suns, are covered
with dew, severely cold, with the forests remaining idle§,
and the lotuses destroyed by frost. And now at night people
cannot lie down in unsheltered places ; and the nights are
inferred from the presence of PushyS. And at night the
atmosphere (being covered with vapour) looks brown ; and it
is bitter cold then ; and the hours are long. And the good
fortune of the Moon hath fallen to the Sun ; and the disc of
the former is reddish with vapour; and like unto a glass
breathed upon, it doth not shine clearly. And the moonlight
furnished by vapour doth not appear pleasant ; and like SitS
pallid because of (exposure to) sunshine, is perceptible, but
doth not look beauteous. And at this season the western
wind naturally of gelid feel, being permeated at present with
cold, blows with double coldness.' And the forests enveloped
in mist, and stocked with wheat and barley, look brilliant at
sunrise, with Kraunchas and cranes crying (in chorus).
Golden-hued paddy slightly inclined, appear graceful, with
their heads like unto date-flowers filled with rice. And the
sun although high advanced, yet having its rays cover-
ed with thick mist, appeareth like the moon. And feeble
at the first part of the day, and of agreeable touch at mid-day,

♦ I. e. — The South. — T.

t A mark made with colored earths or unguents upon the forehead and
between the eye-brows either by way of ornament or a sectarial distinc-
tion.—T.

X Himavan means having snow. — T.

f 'Of antres vast and deserts idle.* Othello. Although not in common use,
the word is very picturesque, and hence the adoption. — T.

i RA NVA KlNDA M. 543

the sunshine, being surcharged with mist, appeareth palish
over the face of the earth. And in the woods, swards cover-
ed with green grass, and with dew-drops on it, look hand-
some on the morning sun brightening it up. Ami wild
elephants waxing exceedingly thirsty, draw away their trunks,
just as they touch beautifully clear and cold water. And
those aquatic fowls seated by, do not dip themselves in the
water, like unto cravens shunning fight. And the rows of
trees, shorn of their blossoms, on being enveloped with dew
at night and mist at morn, look as if they were fast asleep.
And the streams appear with their waters enveloped in
vapour,and the cranes, perceived through their cries, and their
banks having their sands wet. And what on account of the
snow-fall, what of the mildness of the sun, and what through
the cold, water even when it is on a mountain top, tastes
sweet. And lotuses afflicted by the cold, with the stalks only
left, and with their petals dropping down and their pericarps
and filaments shrivelled up, do not appear beautiful. And,
O foremost of men, at this season, influenced by regard for
thee, Bharata undergoing affliction of spirit, is performing
mortifications in the city. And forsaking kingdom, and
dignity, and the many and various enjoyments, Bharata pract-
ising asceticism and restraining himself in respect of food,
in this winter lieth down on the bare earth. And he also, for
certain, at this hour of the day, surrounded by his subjects,
daily wendeth to the river Sarayu for performing his ablutions.
Brought up in luxury, and exceedingly tender, how can he,
afflicted with cold, perform his ablutions during the latter
part of the night? Of eyes resembling lotus petals, grey-
hued, endued with grace, with a navel depressed, and mighty,
Bharata understandeth righteousness, is truth-speaking, of
restrained senses (in respect of others* wives) and also of
subdued senses. And he speaketh fair, and is sweet-tempered,
and long-armed and the vanquisher of foes. And renounc-
ing various pleasures, he hath devoted himself unto the noble

544 RAmXTANA.

one. Thy high-souled brother hath secured heaven, si
he, resorting to asceticism, is imitating thee that residen
the woods. The saying that people follow their mo
and not their father, is falsified in the case of Bharata. F
can mother Kaikeyi, whose husband is Da^aratha and son
righteous Bharata, have such crooked way ?*' As the virli
Lakshmana was speaking thus from affection, Ragh
not bearing the blame cast upon his mother (Kaikeyi), s
"My brother, thou shouldst by no means, tax our sec
mother. Do thou talk of that lord of the IkshwSku r
Bharata. Albeit my mind is firm as regards my sojour
the woods, yet is my mind unsteady, being inflamed \
affection for Bharata. I remember his dear sweet wc
taking the heart, resembling ambrosia, filling the soul \
delight. When shall I, O son of Raghu, meet with the h
souled Bharata, and the heroic Satrughna, and thysel
Having bewailed thus, KSLkutstha, coming to the river G(
vari, there performed his ablutions in company with
younger brother and SitJL. Then having offered his ad»
tions with water unto the gods and the Pitris, those sin
ones hymed the risen sun as well as the celestials. Ha\
with Sita as the second and Lakshmana, performed his b
RSima looked beautiful like that lord the reverend Rudr
company with Nandi and the daughter of the king of mouta

SECTION XVII.

AVING bathed, Rama, Siti and Sumitr&'s son weo
their own asylum from the banks of the GodSvari. Knvi
at the asylum, Raghava along with Lakshmana, perform
his morning devotions, entered the cottage. And hooG
of the Maharshis, R^ma happily dwelt in that cottage ; )

Thyself^ the meaning is evident when shall we ail meet together. -^T,

ARA NVA KXNDA M. 545

lied with SiU that migty-armed one looked like the Moon
conjunction with Chitra. And he carried on various con-
rse with his brother Lakshmana. As RSma was thus seated
ith his mind engrossed in that talk, A R&kshasi came to
at region at her will. And that one named Surpanakhi,
ster unto the ten-necked RiLkshasa, coming upon RUma, saw
m like a celestial, having a leonine chest, mighty-arms,
id expansive eyes resembling lotus leaves, with the power-
I gait of the elephant, wearing a head of matted locks, with
resplendent countenance, bearing regal marks. And be-
tiding R&ma dark-blue like the lotus, and becoming like
andarpa himself, and resembling Indra, the Rlkshasi was
addened with desire. R&ma was graced with a beauteous
»untenance, that R&kshas had a hedeous face ; R§ma had
slender waist, she had a huge abdomen ; he- had expansive
^es, she had terrible eyes j he was gifted with an elegant
ad of hair, she had coppery hair ; R&ma was of a
ar presence, she was of an unsightly presence ;
Slma had a sonorous voice, she had a hedeous voice ;
Ima was ybuthful, the R&kshasi was an old hag ; Rlma
id mellifluous accents, she had harsh accents ; RSma
\& ever abiding by justice, she was unruly ; Rfima
IS handsome, she was ugly. That RSkshasi being
rought up with passion addressed R§ma saying ''Wear
g matted locks, and equipped with bows and arrows,
iy hast thou along with thy wife come to this
gion haunted by Rikshasas ? It behoveth thee to say
lat the object of thy visit is." Thus accosted by the
Ikshasi, Surpanakh§, that subduer of his foes from sincerity
disposition began to relate everything: — "There was a
ng named Da9aratha endeued with the prowess of a celes-
l1. I am his eldest son known among men by the name of
Ima. This is my younger brother (named) Lakshmana,
^er)servlng me. This is my wife, known by the name of
ta. Commanded by my father and mother, I in obedience

546 RAMAVANA.

to their mandate, desirous of acquiring religious merits, hav
for the purpose of securing righteousness, come to tl
forest for dwelling here. I also am anxious to know the
Whose daughter art thou ^ And what is thy nam6, and wh:
thy lineage ? Possessed of a captivating form, thou appea
est to me as a R^kshasi. Tell me truly why thou hast con
here." Hearing these words the R&kshasi, afflicted with lit
said, "Listen, O Rama. I will relate everything truly.
am a R^kshasi, capable of wearing shapes at will. My nan
is SurpanakhSL. Striking terror into the hearts of all^ f ranj
this forest alone. My brother is named RSvana.* TTm
mayst have heard of him. And he that is given to long sle<
— the mighty Kumbhakarna, the righteous Bibhistiana, wl
never serves the R&kshasas^ and the brothers Khara ai
Dushana renowned in conflict (are also my brothers).
Rftma, I have surpassed them all (in prowess). At first sig
of thee, I approach thee, thou best of men, as my husban
with (feelings oQ love. 1 am endeued with power, and ran;
about at will by virtue of my strength. Become my husbai
for ever and a day. What wilt thou do with Sit& ? D
formed and unsightly, she is not worthy of thee. I am- fit i
thee. Do thou look upon me as a wife. This unsight
grim unchaste and human one with a lean abdomen, wil
devour up, along with this brother of thine. Then havi
thy wish, in company with me, thou wilt range the Dandak
surveying the various mountain summits and forests." Tt
addressed, KSLkutstha having charming eyes, well skill
in speech, with a smile, began to speak thus.

* Another reading is : my brother is named Ravana — a Rakshasm^ and
lord of Rakshasas. He is the son of Viasavan. Thou mayst have ketn
him, — r.

iRANFARlNDAM. 547

SECTION XVIII.

ITH a smile, R§ma jestingly addressed SurpanakhSl
^ who had been ensnared in the noose of love, in soft words,
:: saying, *'Gentle one, I am already wedded ; this is my be-
i loved wife. To females like unto thee co-wife-hood is
ij| exceedingly miserable. This young brother of mine is good-
i looking, and is of an excellent character ; he is graceful, and
; is still unwived. The powerful one is named Lakshmana.
! He hath not yet tested the pleasures of a wife's company, and
} is desirous of having a spouse. And he is youthful and of
^ an inviting presence. He will become a fit husband for
thee, considering this thy beauty. O thou of expansive eyes,
L seek this brother of mine as thy husband, even as the solar
i beam seeks Mem. (By doing so), thou O supremely beautiful
I damsel, wilt not have to fear a co-wife." Having been thus
> addressed by RAma, the RSkshasi intoxicated with lust, at
once leaving RSma, spake unto Lakshmana, saying, '4 am fit
to be thy wife possessed of transcendental grace, having
regard to this beauty of thine. And with me thou wilt happi-
ly range these Dandakas.'' Thus accosted by the RSkshasi,
Sumitr&'s son, Lakshmana versed in speech, with a smile
appropriately observed unto SurpanakhS, "Why wishest thou
to be the servant of me who am a servant myself ?* O lotus-
hued one, I am dependant on my noble brother, O thou of
expansive ^^^s^ be thou securing the summum ionum, with
a joyful heart, become, O superbly beautiful wench, the
younger wife of the noble one of great good fortune. Re-
nouncing this frightful,unchaste,hideous,old wife possessed of
a lean abdomen ; he will devote himself unto thee. O paragon
among damsels, O supremely charming lady, what man
possessed of discernment, passing by such grace, would bear

♦ The text is difficult to render literally : — Why wishest thou to be the
female servant of me who am myscff a male servant. — T.

548 RlAJXrANA.

affection to a human female ?" Thus accosted by Lakshmana,
that hideous one having a lean abdomen being incapable of
understanding jest, took his words as true. Thereupon as
that subduer of enemies, the irrepressible RSlma, was seated
in the cottage in company with Sit§, the Rlkshasi, transported
with lust, said unto him, "Forsaking this deformed, unchaste,
horrible old wife of thine possessed of a lean abdomen, thou
dost not regard me. To-day, thou looking on, I shall eat up
this human female. And I shall, rid of a co-wife, happily
range with thee." Having said this, even as a mighty meteor
striketh Rohini, that one having eyes resembling live coals^
waxing exceedingly enraged, rushed towards that (damsel)
with the eyes of a doe. Thereupon, hindering the RSkshasi
resembling the noose of death, as she was rushing on, the
mighty R§ma, growing wroth, said unto L&kshmana, ''O
Saumitrif, what is the good of jesting with a base and
wicked one ? No use of doing it. Look, O amiable one,
VaidehiJ is well nigh dead. It behoves thee, O foremost of
men, to deform this frightful, unchaste R&kshasi of a huge
abdomen, transported with lust." Thus desired the exceed-
ingly strong Lakshmana, fired with wrath, taking out his
sword, in the sight of R&ma, cut off her nose and ears. Her
ears and nose cut ofF, the terrible Surpanakhi, uttering fright*
ful cries, fled amain into the forest whence she had come.
And being deformed, and covered with gore, the dreadful
Rikshas'i sent up many a roar, like clouds rumbling in the
rains. And bleeding profusely, the grimvisaged R&kshasi,
lifting up her arms, and roaring, entered the mighty forest.
Then, having been deformed, (the RUkshasi) approaching,
her brother of firece energy, Khara, come to Janasthina, (seat-
ed surrounded by numbers of Rakshasas), fell down to the

t We are obliged to use this epithet as it is in order to prevent the too
frequent recurrence of Sumitra's son. — T,

X Videha's daughter. We retain this epithet also for the reason assigned
above. — T.

IRANFAKINDAM. 549

earth, even as the thunder-bolt bursts from the sky. Then
that sister of Khara, bathed in blood, and deprived of her
senses through fright, related all about RSLma's arrival at the
forest along with Lakshmana and his own wife, as well as the
circumstances connected with her being deformed.

SECTION XIX.

9,^*

SEEING his sister deformed, and covered with blood,
fallen on the ground, the R^kshasa, Khara, fired with wrath
asked her, saying, '^Arise ! Leave off fear and amazement.
Tell me plainly by whom thou hast been thus deformed. Who
is it that with his finger-end hath by way of sport hurt
a black venomous snake that was innocent ? He that
coming in contact with thee hath to-day drunk virulent
poison, winding a fatal noose round about his neck, knoweth
it not through ignorance. Endowed with strength and prow-
ess^ ranging about at will, wearing shapes at pleasure, and
resembling the destroyer himself, going to whom hast thou
come by this condition ? Who among the gods, Gandharbas
or creatures or the high souled saints is of such mighty ener-
gy as to have deformed thee ? In this world I do not see
him that would do me wrong. Even as a crane afflicted with
thirst appropriateth milk mixed in water (leaving the latter
out), so by means of fleet and life destroying shafts will
I among the immortals take the life of that chastiser of
PAka, the thousand-eyed mighty Indra. The frothy blood of
whom, having his marrow pierced (by me) and slain by me
in battle, doth the Earth wish to drink? Tearing off flesh
from the corpse of whom slain by me in conflict, shall the
birds so joyfully feed on it ? Him, whom I shall wrong
mightily, neither the gods, nor the Gandharbas, nor the
Pi^Schas*, nor the R&kshasas, will be able to rescue in

♦ A kind of foul spirits. — T.

550 jRAmIFANJ.

fierce encounter. Recovering by degrees thy sense, it
hoves thee to tell me what individual it was of execr
character, who by his prowess, hath humbled thee in
forest.-* Hearing these words of his brother, who was ui
the mtluence of extreme rage, Surpanakhft with tears in
eyes, said, 'Tender, and endowed with beauty, possesse
youth and gifted with great strength, with expansive <
resembling white lotuses ; clad in bark and dark dear-sk
subsisting on fruits and roots, having their senses under
trol ; leading an ascetic life and a Brahmacharya mod
existence ; there are two sons of Da^aratha the brothers R
and Lakshmana resembling the Sovereigfn of the Gandhar
and marked with signs betokening royalty. I cannot as
tain whether they be celestials, or human beings. And
tween them I saw there a youthful female furnished
grace, and having a dainty waist ; adorned with every kir
ornament. And it is on account of this female that I 1
like one unchaste and uncared for, have come by this co
lion at their hands. Nor I wish in the midst of encou
to drink the frothy blood of that crooked one as well as tl
two slain (in battle). Let this my prime wish be crov
there with fruition. Her and their blood will I drink in dr
ful conflict." As she said this, Khara wrought up with bo
less passion, said, "Two human beings accoutred in a
and wearing bark and dark deer-skins have in company
a female entered this deep Dandaka forest. Do ye ret
after slaying them, as well as that wicked one. And
sister of mine will drink their blood. Ye R&kshasas, i
this is my sister's dear desire. Repairing thither, spe<
accomplish this, bearing them down by your native m
Seeing those two brothers slain by you. this one, exceed!
rejoiced, will drink their blood in the field." Thus com
sioned, those fourteen RSkshasas set out there like cl
driven by the vfinds, accompanied by SurpanakhSl.

ARANYAKANDAM, 551

SECTION XX.

XHEN the grim Surpanakha, coming to Raghava's asylum
pointed out to the R^kshasas those brothers in company
with Sit^. And they saw the mighty RSlma seated in the
cottage in company with Sit^, and ministered unto by
Lakshmana. And seeing her, as well as the RUkshasas who
had come, Rlma remarked unto his brother, Lakshmana of
flaming energy, saying, '*0 Sumitr&'s son, do thou for a
while guard SitS. I shall slay these that have come to
this asylum here." Hearing these words of RSma versed
in the knowledge of self, Lakshmana honored his speech
by saying, "So be it." And the righteous R&ghava strung
liis mighty bow decked with gold; and addressed the
R&kshasas, saying, 'We that have entered into this
untractable forest of Dandaka in company with Sitl are the
sons of Da^aratha, the brothers, R^ma and Lakshmana.
Why do you intend to do injury unto us. Subsisting on
fruits and roots, having our senses under control, carrying
on ^asceticism and leading a Brahmacharya life, we are
passing our days in the forest of Dandaka. It is to destroy
you, wicked, and troublesome that I equipped with the bow
have come here at the desire of the saints. Stay there con-
tent you should not move further. If you have a care for
your lives^ desist, ye rangers of the night." Hearing those
words of his, those fourteen grim R^kshasas bearing darts
in their hands, exceedingly enraged, with their eyes
reddened, breathing high spirits, harshly said unto the sweet-
speeched RSma, having his eyes reddened, whose prowess
they had not seen before, ''Having excited there our
lord, the high-souled Khara, it is thou that shalt lose thy
life no later than this day, being slain by us in battle. What
power hast thou, being one, to stay before us many, in the
field, — what shall I say of thy coping with us in conflict?

5sa RAMArANA.

In consequence of the parighas^ darts, and;i pathifas discb.
ged by our arms, thou wilt surely lose thy life, along «
thy prowess, and this bow which thou pressest with I
hand/' Having said this in wrath, those fourteen R&kshas
uplifting their weapons and daggers rushed towards Rftiu
and discharged darts at the invincible R&ghava. Thereup
KSikutstha by means of shafts decked with gold, cut o£F tlu
fourteen darts of theirs. Seeing this, that exceedingly eo
getic one« waxing highly enraged, look out fourteen ndrdck
whetted on stone, resembling the sun. And even as Satakn
hurls the thunderbolt, R&ghava drawing his bow and taki
his aim at the R&kshasas, let go those shafts. And the
R&kshasas, their breasts pierced with vehemencCi a
themselves bathed in blood, fell down to the earth, li
snakes dropping down from an ant hill. And with tb
breasts pierced, they, dripping with blood, deformed a
deprived of their lives, lay on the ground like trees whc
roots have been severed. Seeing them fallen on the groui
the RUkshasi, beyond herself in wrath, approaching Khai
with her blood a little dried up, again in distressful gui
threw herself on the earth, like a plant exuding gum. A
in presence of her brother, she set up a mighty roar ; u
then her face grown pallid, she dropped tears, emitting cri<
Seeing those R^kshasas slain in battle, Surpanakhft aga
hastened (to his brother), and the sister of Khara, related
detail the slaughter of those RSLkshasas.

SECTION XXI.

!^EEING Surpanakhl again lying on the ground^ Kha
in anger spake out unto that one, who had come to bring \
evil, saying, ''I had but recently commissioned for thy belM
those heroic R^kshasas living on flesh. Why then dost tb

IRANVAKXNDAM. 553

Ugain ' weep ? Bearing regard ami attached unto n^e,
nod ever engaged in my welfare, they, assailed by others,
are incapable of being slain ; nor do they not obey my orders.
V/hat can it be ? I would hear of the occasion owing to
ivhich again, crying 'Ah lord/ thou rollest on the earth like
^ serpent Why dost thou beweep like one forlorn, while
i thy lord, am liviag ? Arise ! Arise ! Do not fear, cast off
^|.tiiy atupor." Thus addressed, and consoled by Khara, that
*irrepres9ibl« one, wiping her eyes, spoke unto Khara,
^'Having had my aose and earn cut off, I had come hither,
'Icovered with blood ; and thou badst consoled me. And thou
Wlso hadst despatched fourteeu heroic R|ksbasas, for my
'Jkthoof, for slaying the terrific Raghava along with
^i^kshmana. But all those, bearing ill will (towards RSLqna),
'bearing darts and pathsas in tbeir haAds, have been slain
4n conflict by means of weapons penetrating into the
'vitals. Seeing those possessed of great speed, in a moment
'laid low on the ground, — ^as well as (witnessing) Rama's
'mighty deed, great fear hath taken possession of me. O
r ranger of the night, I am afraid, and agitated, and cast down.
i have (at length) found in thee a refuge, seeing fear on all
':9ide& WiU thou not rescue me who am sinking Lo this
.4x>ean of grieC, havijag sorrow fox its alligators and
.affright lor billows ? And these Rakshasas, living on flesh
-yfiao had arrived at that place, have been slain by
R&ma with sharpened shafts. If thou <has;t any kind-
meas for oie as well as those sons cff Rakshasas and,
■O ranger of Aight, if ^thou hast strength and energy to cope
■irith Rama, do thou kill this thorn of the R^shasas^
-wbo hath tsot ^p his dwelling in the forest of Dandaka.
:if thou do not to-day slay that destroyer of foes,"^ RSlrna,
-I ;shall bantahiiig shame, give up my life In thy very presence.
. Meseens, ithoo backed by thy f orcesl act incapable of staying

'^ Another reading tt ikat entmy of min€.-^T,
ft :Semettcat» — (Kama) wtfui^^ t»M the han

554

' rImXyana.

in battle before R3Lma in high encounter. Thou plui
thyself on being a hero ; but art really none such. Pi
hath been falsely attributed unto thee. Go off from Ja
thSLna without delay, along with thy friends. O stainer
thy line, do thou in battle slay those fool-hardy ones.
if thou fail in slaying those human beings, RSLma and
mana, then how canst thou void of strength and of fXi
prowess, stay here ? Overcome by the energfy of
thou shalt speedily meet with destruction. Da9aratha's
RSLma^ is endued with energy. His brother is pos
of high vigour by whom I have come to be deformed."
ing thus bewailed long, that RSLkshasi, possessed of a spadi
abdomen, through sorrow, became bereft of her senses
her brother, and excercised with great grief cried, at
her abdomen with her hands.

SECTION XXII.

vJn being thus taunted by Surpanakhft^ Khara
these sharp words in the midst of the Rftlcshasas, "Aritii
from this thy humiliating censure, my wrath is beyond
pare. I can not bear it, like salt-water cast on a
From my prowess I count not R&ma who is a human
possessed of a frail life — him who slain by me shall
in consequence of his misdeed give up existence. R<
thy tears, and remove thy fear. I shall despatch
along with his brother to the abode of Yaroa. Thoa
O Rlkshasi, quaff on the ground the hot blood of R&maof <
life, slain by my axe." Overjoyed on bearing the
that dropped from Khara's mouth, she again through
ness extolled that foremost of R&kshasas, her brother,
first reprimanded by her and then praised, Khara spoke
his general, named Dushana, saying, "Do thou, O getttkl

IRANFAKXNDAM. 555

one, array fourteen thousand of those RSLkshasas, gifted with
furious vehemence, ever following my wish, who never turn
■iway from the field ; who are hued like unto purple
sclouds, who revel in cruelty,* and who are elated (in con-
ssequence of their prowess). And thou gentle one, do thou
i&t once bring my car as well as my bows, and pasty colored
Arrows and scimitars, and darts, and various whetted
javelins. O thou versed in warfare, for slaying this haughty
RSlma, I go in the very fore-front of the high-souled Paulas-
styas.f As he said this, Dushana brought his great car hued
like the sun, yoked with excellent steeds of various colors.
iAnd thereupon in a passion Khara ascended that car
:resembling a peak of Meru, embellished with burnished-gold,
: furnished with golden wheels, open ; having its pole studded
with lapises ; surrounded with fishes and flowers and trees
and stones, and the sun and the moon and gold, and auspi-
cious articles ; and swarms of birds, and stars ; having
streamers and swords ; garnished with bells ; and yoked
with superb coursers. And beholding that mighty army
consisting of cars and arms and pennons, Khara as well as
Dushana, said unto that multitude of Rakshasas, ''March
forth j" And then uttering tremendous roars, rushed out
with great vehemence four and ten thousands of those ter-
rible Rakshasas equipped with clubs and pattisas and darts
and sharpened axes, and scimitars and discuses, — shining
beautifully in their hands and saktis and dreadful parighas
and innumerable bows, and maces, and mushalas and vajras
fearful to behold, griped fast. And those following the will
of Khara issued out of JanasthSLna. Seeing those RSLkshasas
of dreadful forms rushing out, Khara's car remaining a little
away (from the press), proceeded after a short space. Then

♦ The North-West Province's text has some additional sloka -. — Dreadful,
wearing forms at wi7/, possessing the pride of the lion, having large mouthy
high'Souled, revelling in cruelty, endeued with strength, of fierce energy. — 7".

t Lit. — Pulastya's sons. The Rakshasas were commonly descended from
Pulastya. — T.

5S6

RlMlrANA.

taking the permission of Khara, the charioteer dro^e m
speed those powerful steeds decked in shining gold. Aai
driven with speed, the car of Khara — slayer of foes — filled d
directions with its rattle. And Khara, fired with wrath, aai
having piercing voice, hastening to destroy his enemy Iftt
the Destroyer himself, again urged his charioteer with rotn^l
like a mighty cloud showering down stones.

SECTION XXIIt.

j^S those terrible and inauspicious forces were
on, a mighty sable cloud with dreadful sounds began It
shower down blood. And the steeds yoked to his (Khara's)
car, gifted with great celerity, dropped down all of a auddes
on the level high ways strewn with blossoms. A dark ciick
bordered with red, resembling that of charcoal, appeared m
the vicinity of the sun. And a frightful vulture, haviaga
huge body, approaching the banner, sat upon the upraiaci
golden flagstaff. And beasts and birds having shrill
living on flesh, remaining near Janasthftna, emitted
dissonant notes. And in the quarter lighted up by the
fierce jackals having mighty voices, in dreadful criea p«»
saged evil unto the R&kshasas. And terrific clouds surdiargri
with water and blood, and resembling elephants With
temples, enveloped the sky. And a dense darkness
capable of making one's hair stand on end, and no <|iiailtl
was distinctly visible. And out of season, there appearei
evening hued like .a cloth soaked in blood. And
Khara, terrible beasts and birds set up cries.
Gomayas and vultures, portending fear, began to cry.
inauspicious in war, jackals presaging evil, witli tbiir
mouths belching forth flame, howled in the face of the
And comets, resembling parighas appeared beside the

XRANYAKXNDAM, 557

That mighty planet SwarbhSLnu seized the sun when
there was no parva. And the winds blew violently ; and the
sun was without lustre. And when there was no night, stars
wearing the sheen of fireflies, began to fall. And in the
tanks fishes and fowls were inert, and the lotuses were
withered. And at that hour the trees were shorn of fruits
and flowers ; and without wind there arose dust dusky like
clouds. And the parrots uttered wild notes — chichtkuchu
And meteors of terrific aspects fell with loud noises. And
the earth with her mountains, woods, and forests, shook.
And as the intellegent Khara was roaring from his car, his
left arm shook, and his voice fell, and as he surveyed around,
his eyes moistened, and his head ached ; yet through ignor-
ance, he did not desist. Witnessing these mighty portents
capable of making one's hair stand on end, Khara with a laugh,
addressed the whole body of RSkshasas, saying, '*Even as a
strong person from prowess counts not a weak one, I do not
dwell upon all these mighty portents, dreadful to behold, that
have appeared. Even the stars will I bring down from
heaven with my sharp shafts ; and even Death will I engaged,
bring to mortality. Without slaying RSghava puffed up with
pride as well as Lakshmana, by means of sharp weapons, I
return not (from the conflict). Let that sister of mine, for
whom Rlma and Lakshmana have had sense perverted, attain
her desire, by drinking their blood. I had never before met
with defeat in conflict Ye have witnessed it. I do not speak
a falsehood. Wrought up with rage, I shall slay in fight the
sovereign of the celestials himself, going on his mad AirSlvata,
with the tliunderbolt in his hand, — what shall I say of those
two, who are human beings f Entangled in the noose of
death, that mighty army of the Rikkshasas, hearing his
challenge, experienced boundless enthusiasm. And anxious
to see the encounter, there came high-souled saints, and
celestials, and Gandharbas, and Siddhas, with the CMlranas.
And these pious ones assembled, spoke unto one another.

558 RlMlrANA.

"Welfare unto those cows, and BrShmanas, and those that
are prized by the worlds ! As the discus-handed Vishnu
vanquished the foremost Asuras, may RSghava rout in battle
those rangers of the night, the progeay of Pulastya ! And
saying this as well as various other things, the supreme
saints and the celestials stationed in the sky conceiving
curiosity (as to the issue of the conflict), beheld the host of
those R&kshasas, whose days had been numbered. Then
impetuously Khara issued in his car from the van of the
army.* And these twelve endowed with exceeding prow-
ess, w>., SynagSLmi, Prithu^y&ma, Yayna9atru, Vihangama,
Duryyaya, KaravirSksha, Purusha, K&lakiinuka, Magham&li,
MahSLmSLli, Sarpasya, and RudKir&9ana posted themselves
around Khara. And MahSlkap&la, Slhul&ksha, Hram&thi and
Tri^irast — [These four going before the forces, went at the
back of Dushana]. Then as the planets dart towards the
sun and moon, that heroic and dreadful army of R&kshasas,
eager for victory suddenly rushed towards the princes with
great vehemence.

SECTION XXIV.

VV HEN Khara of fierce prowess had come to the asylum
Rftma in company with his brother saw all those evil prog-
nostics. And beholding those dreadful portents, Riima
exceedingly distressed, apprehending some calamity to the
R&kshasas, observed unto Lakshmana, "O mighty armed
one, behold these great presages that have taken place,
capable of annihilating all beings, and which have for their
object the utter extermination of the RSikhasas ! Yonder

* The N. W. p. text has a different sloka. And seeing him come out on the
ground, they themselves came out. — T,

. t The sloka in the text is incomplete : The part within brackets, taken from
the N. W. P. recension completes it.— T.

XRANrAKlNDAM, 559

threatening clouda of assinine sable, showering down blood
and uttering loud sounds are ranging the welkin. And, O
discerning one, rejoicing at the prospect of my fight, all
these arrows emit smoke, and my bows plaited on the back
with gold, are restless. Meseems from the noise of the
wild birds that impending on us is danger and un-
certainty to life. Without doubt, there shall take place
a mighty conflict. At this critical time, my arm shaking
momentarily, betokens, O hero, victory unto us, and defeat
unto the enemy. And thy face appeareth pleasant with a
delightful lustre. O Lakshmana, the pallid face of those
that prepare for conflict, auger shortening of life. We can
hear the shouts of the RSikshasas as they roar, as also the
blasts of the trumpets of those doomed to be wounded
blown by Rakshasas of remorseless deeds. A considerate
person that wisheth for his welfare, apprehending peril,
should prevent disaster ere it arrives. Therefore bearing
arrows in thy hand, and equipped with thy bow, do thou,
taking Videha's daughter, take refuge in the mountain
cavern, coverd with trees and difficult of access. That thou
shouldst act contrary to my words, is what I do not wish.
Swearing by my feet, go thou without delay,my brother. Thou
art both strong and a hero : Thou canst, without doubt,
slay these (RSlkshasas. But I wish to slay all these rangers
of the night myself. '' Thus accosted by RSlma, Lakshmana,
taking arrows and a bow, took refuge in an inaccessible
cave along with SitS. Thereupon, saying, ''Ah ! we have
spoken it sharp," RSlma put on his mail. And adorned with
that mail resembling fire Rlma appeared in the dark like a
mighty flame streaming up. And uplifting bis bow, and
taking his arrows, that powerful one stood there, feeling
all directions with the twangs of his bow-string. Then the
high-souled gods and Gandbarbas, Siddhas and Ch^ranas
came there, with the intention of witnessing the fight. And
high-souled saints of the world, and the foremost Brahmarshis^

56o J^AmAFANA.

of pious acts, coming together, spoke unto one anodier,
saying) "Hail to cows and Brahmanas, and all those ii
whom are established the worlds 1 May Rlghava vanqoisl
in fight those rangers of the night, the progeny of Pulastya,
even as the discus-handed Vishnu routed in battle the for&>
most Asuras !" Having said this, they again spoke, ejriog
one another, ''There are fourteen thousand of the RJLkshasas
of dreadful deeds, while the righteous R&ma is single. How
can fight take place (between two such parties) V Having
said this, the Rdjarshis, Siddhas, multitudes of the beet of
the twice-born ones, and celestials stationed in the sky were
moved with curiosity (as to the issue of the conflict). Tbco
seeing Rama filled with energy, remaining in the field, al
beings from fear experienced great pain. And the peerles
grace of Rlma of energetic deeds became like unto that €(
the high souled infuriated Rudra."^ While the gods, Gia*
4harbas and Ch&ranas were thus conversing, the forces «(
the R&kshasas sending up solemn sounds, furnished witk
horrible armour, arms and flags, conversing in heroic ptr«
lance, roaring at each other, stretching bows, momentarilf
yawning,t sending forth shouts, and blowing trumpets. The
universal uproar fiDed that (entire) forest. Sc^ed ani
•terrified at the hubbul the rangers of the wood fled tO'qvarieis
free from noise; nor did they cast their eyes badkwarf.
And that army resembling the ocean, and rife with 6e«adi»
equipped with various weapons, with furious speed
towards R9ma. And R&ma also versed in warfare,
his eyes arround, found the forces of Khara ready for Iqrlit}
Then stretching his dreadful bow, and swiftly taking out
■shafts, (Rlma^ for compassing the destruction 'of the eotiie
body of the R&kshasas, waxed furiously enraged. AadUbe

* There U a Tariatlon in reading here ; the sense, however, is tbe
t The commentator says the jrawning was in consequence of tlie iHtWiwi
liaving during the con6fCt indulged in liquor.<»>T.
i Anotber lest r*-The holder of pinmka.^^T.

XrANVAKINDAM, 561

tinlo the flaming fire at the universal dissolution, he, growing
wroth, was incapable of bein^ looked at. And seeing him
filled with energy, the sylvan deities were extremely pained.*
And the aspect of the enraged Rima appeared like that of
the holder of PinSLka, intent upon destroying Uaksha^s sacri-
fice. Furnished with bows and ornaments and cars and mail
hued like fire, that army of those subsisting on flesh, appear-
ed like masses of blue clouds at sunrise.

SECTION XXV.

OoMiNG to the asylum, Rhara in company with those
that went before him, saw that slayer of foes, the enraged
Rima, holding his bow. And seeing him, Khara possessing
a shrill voice, raising his bow, commanded unto the chariot-
eer to drive towards R&ma, — '* Drive on !" At Khara's
command, the charioteer drove the steeds to where the
mighty-armed Rama stood alone, holding his bow. And seeing
him (Khara) entered the field^ all those rangers of the
night — the counsellers — uttering mighty shouts, environed
him round. And Khara stationed on his car in the midst
of RSikshasas appeared like red bodied one risen in the
midst of the stars. Then in battle Khara, afflicting Rama
of incomparable energy with a thousand shafts, uttered a
tremendous roar. Then all the rangers of the night, waxing
exceeding wroth, showered various weapons on that terrible
bowman, the invincible Rima. And wrought up with rage,
the RSikshasas in battle assailed him with iron clubs,
and darts, and prdsasy and swords, and axes. And resembl-
ing clouds (in hue), the exceedingly strong Rakshasas,
having huge bodies, darted towards Kakutstha by means
of steeds and cars. And mounted on elephants resembling

• Another reading is : — ^The sylvan deities fled away. — ^T.
71

Ji^ Rl3llFANA.

.mountain-peaks, numbers of Rakshasas, intent upon s
Rama in battle, showered arrows on him, as mighty cl
•pour down showers on the monarch of mountains.
Rlma was hemmed in by all those fierce-looking R&ksh
•even as in the evening Mahadeva is surrounded by
courtiers. And as the ocean resisteth the tide of a ri
R^ghava by means of arrows resisted the weapons
^charged by the YatudhSLnas. As a mighty mountain, ^ffsaiH
by the thunderbolt, doth not feel pain, Rlma, having Ui
person pierced by terrible flaming weapons, did not fed
rpain. And pierced, and with his person covered with bloody
Rama, the descendant of Raghu, resembled the sun ei-
veloped in evening clouds. And seeing him singlci Sll^
•rounded by many thousands, the Gods, Gandhaibai^
Siddhas, and supreme saints became sorrowful. Then Rim
getting enraged, bringing his bow to a circle, discharge!
sharpened shafts by hundreds and by thousands. And as i
in sport, R&ma in the conflict shot irrisistible (shafts)
furnished with Kanka feathers, and decked with goki,
irrisistible, capable of inflicting extreme pain, and resemU*
ing the noose of Death. And sportively discharged by Rimi,
those arrows deprived the Rakshasas of their lives, like the
noose forged by death. And piercing the persons of the
>Rikshasa8, those arrows, soaked in blood, going up to the
sky, appeared with the splendour of flaming fire. And inni-
merable shafts, exceedingly fierce, capable of depriving the
RSikshasas of their lives, were let go from the circle of hk
bow. And with those R2ima severed bows, in battle by
bundreds and by thousands and flag ends, and shields^ ani
mail, and many arms with embellished bands, resembling the
trunks of elephants. And the arrows of R&ma discharged
from the string pierced and cut off steeds mailed in gjM^
yoked unto cars, together with the charioteer ; and elephants
with their riders; and horsemen with horses. And slaying
ioot-soldiers, he despatched them to the abode of Yamt.

iRANYAKlNDABT. 5^3^

it And cut off with ndlikas and, nardchas^ and sharp-pointed^
: viktrnaSf the rangers of the night uttered dreadful howls of
distress. And like a withered wood afflicted by fire, that
3 host harassed by the various marrow-pSercing* shafts shot by
^ Rlma, did not attain ease. And some heroic rangers of the*
I night possessed of great strength, waxing furious, threwt at
a RSma/r^^^^, and darts and axes. Thereupon- resisting hy
B means of shafts those weapons of theirs, the mighty-armed
q Rlma endeued with prowess, took their lives in the conflict,,
a and cut off the heads (of warriors). And having their heads,
1 and shields and bow-strmgs^ severed, they fell as fall on the
r earth trees thrown down by blasts from the wings of
Suparna.| Those rangers of the night that remained there,
r wounded by arrows, and losing heart, fled with speed to
; Khara, to seek his protection^. Thereat, encouraging themy
: Dushana, taking hiS' bow, ran furiousfy in high rage against
: RSma, like the enraged Destroyer himself. And rallied
again (by Dushana) and, their fear dispelled through their
having found refuge with him, they armed with sdlas^ tdlas^
and crags, darted against Rima. And bearing in their hands
darts, and clubs, and nooses, those exceedingly strong ones
showered in battle shafts and weapons. And the RSLkshasas
discharged vollies of trees and crags. And capable of makings
one's hair stand on end, that battle was dreadful and furious-
and now on the side of Rama and now again on that o£
the Rakshasas. And waxing exceedingly wroth, they bore:
on him hard from all sides. Then finding all directions
entirely covered with Rakshasas, and showers of shafts, that
one gifted with mighty strength, sending up a terrific shout,,
fixed (on the bow-string) the exceedingly effulgent Crandharba
weapon (for discharging it) among the RiLkshasas. Then
thousands of shafts went forth from the circle of his bow ;

♦ Another reading is, sharpened. — T,

t Another reading : remaining before Rama, threw pcmerful weaponsr^T,

% Litr'^i fair feathers, A name of Garura.

564 RllktAyANA. "

and all directions were covered with throngittg arrows, i
those RSlkshasas, afflicted with arrows could not see Ri
how he took out his dread shafts, nor how he dischar
those excellent shafts ; they only saw him drawing his b
And the darkness spread by the arrows enveloped the
with the sun. And Rama stationed there continued poux
in shafts. And the earth was covered with shafts shot, ;
alighting, and alighted simultaneously. And at places \i
seen Rakshasas by thousands slain, falling, enfeebled, t
and riven. And cut off by RSLraa with arrows, d
and Patticas in that battle the fearful field was scat
ed, heads with turbans, arms with finger-fences ; torn thi
and arms, and various ornaments, horses, excellent elephs
and cars, shattered in numbers, chouris, fans, and umbrel
and pennons of various descriptions. Beholding all th
stain, the (remaining) Rikshasas, sore distressed, could
(again) advance before that captor of hostile capitals R&n

SECTION XXVI.

»«^*

Jj INDING his own forces slaughtered, the mighty-an
Dushana speedily ordered five thousand Rakshasas, gil
with tremendous velocity, difficult of being approaches
who never turned from the field. And from all sides t
incessantly showered darts and patticas^ and scimitars, .
stones, and trees, and shafts. Thereupon by means
shafts the righteous Raghava resisted that mighty destruci
shower of trees and stones. Resisting that shower, Rj
with his eyes staring, and resembling a bull, flew inl
great rage, for the purpose of slaying the whole body
RSLkshasas. Then influenced by wrath, and flaming in enei
he on all sides covered the army along with Dushana v
arrows. Then the general, Dushana, destroyer of enem
getting wroth, opposed Rl arrows resenib]

XRANk'AKANDAM, 565

■ihunderbolts. Then heroic Rama highly angered, severed
seiis (Dushana's) mighty bow with shafts sharp as razors,
litnd slew his four horses by means of as many shafts. And
ibaving slain the steeds, he (Rama) cut off the head of the
charioteer by means of a crescent-shaped weapon, and
jpierced the (Rakshasa Dushna) in the breast with a brace of
i£9hafts. His bow cut off, his steeds together with the
rsqharioteer slain, and himself deprived of his car, he (Dushna)
t took a parigha resembling a mountain peak, able to make
. one's down stand on end plated with gold, capable of
5£ afflicting celestial liosts, studded with sharp iron sankus^
: and graced with the fat of foes ; — of the touch of a thunder-
jr bolt, able to pierce the persons of enemies.* And takng
. up in that encounter the pangha resembling a mighty snake,
: that ranger of the night of cruel deeds Dushna, rushed
towards Rama. And as Dushana was rushing forward,
Righava by means of a couple of shafts cut oif his two arms>
with the ornaments. And the huge parigha escaping from
(Dushana's grasp) fell forward on the field like the banner
of Sakra. And like a mighty elephant whose husks have
fallen off, Dushna, on his arms having been severed, fell
down to 'the earth. Seeing Dushana down on the ground,
and slain in battle, all creatures, saying, "well done !" "well
done !'' paid homage unto Kakutstha. In the meantime,
three generals, getting wroth, being entrapped in the noose
of death, rushed against Rama in a body — viz ; Mahakapala,
Sthulakshya, and the mighty Pramathi the Rakshasa, Maha-
kapala, upraising a large dart, and Sthulakshya, taking a
pathicay and Pramathi, an axe. And as soon as RSghava beheld
them advance, he resisted them by means of sharp and keen-
edged shafts, even as one receives guests that have come. And
Raghu's son split Mahakapala's head, — afflicted Pramathi with
countless shafts, and lodged (the eyes of Sthulakshya with
sharp shafts. And they fell down to the earth like mighty trees

* The text may also vsit.2Xi-abU to rend the cities of foes. — T.

5^6 RlMXrANA.

of many boughs. Thereat instantly inflamed with wrath,
by means of five thousand shafts, sent as many thousands
Dushana's followers to Yama's abode. Hearing that Dus
had been slain, Khara, waxing wroth, commanded his mi
generals, saying, "Fighting with that vile man, RSLma, aloni
with his mighty forces Dushana hath been slain in battle,
together with his followers. Let all the RSLkshasas slay hio
with weapons of various shapes." Having said this in wratli,
Khara darted towards Rama. And discharging choice shafts,
SyenagSmi Prithugriva, Jajnasatru, Vihangama, Durjaji,
Paraviraksha, Parusha, Kalakarmuka, HepfiamSLli, MahlmlE,
Sarpasya, and Rudhira^ana, — these twelve generals endenel
with mighty prowess accompanied with their forces, proceeded
vehemently against R^ma, discharging excellent shafts.
Threat with shafts resembling fire, and decked with diamonds
and with gold, (R^ma) possessed of energy destroyed the rest
of his'.(Khara's) forces. And as the thunderbolt slayeth tbe
inighty, Asuras, those shafts studded with gold, and like vak\»
smoking fire, slew those Rakshasas. And in in the field RSnir
slew an hundred RSLkshasa with an hundred Karnis, and a
thousand (again) with a thousand. And, their armour aaf
ornaments severed, and their bows broken in shivers, those
rangers of the night fell down on the earth, bathed in blood
And as a spacious dais is covered with Ku^a, the entire fiekf
was scattered with the Rlkshasas fallen in battle with hak'
dishevelled, and covered with blood. And at that time that'
fearful forest, with the Rakshasas slaughtered, and with its
clay mired with flesh and blood, resembled hell itself. Foitr*
teen thousand Rakshasas of dreadful deeds were slaia
by Rama single, a human being, flghting, (moreover) on foot.
And the remnant of his (Khara's) forces were that mig^hty
car- warrior, Khara himself, and the R&kshasa, Tri^ira; and
(on the other side) was that destroyer of foes — R&ma. Thfr
rest of the Rakshasas, gifted with great prowess, terrible^
and difficult of being withstood, were all slain in battle bf

ARANFAKANDAM. 567

••^e dlder brother of Lakshmana. Then seeing that dreadful
■ army destroyed in terrible conflict by the mighty Rama,
-Khara ascending a great car, advanced before Rama, like
Jiidra with the upraised thunderbolt.

SECTION XXVII,

jSls Khara was advancing before Rama^ that leader of the
^army named Tri^ira, approaching him, said, ''Do thou
^employ me, who am possessed of prowess; and thyself desist
^from this rashness. Behold the mighty-armed R&ma brought
• down in battle. I swear (unto thee) truly j I touch this
weapon, (to say) that I will slay Rama, who deserves to be
< slain by all the Rakshasas. Either I shall prove his death
in battle, or he shall prove mine. Restraining thy martial
-ardour, do thou for a while become a witness. Either, joyed
•in consequence of RSlma being slain, thou shalt repair unto
. JanasthSlna ; or I being slain, thou shalt enter the field (against
him)." Thus satisfied by Tri9ara, from his desire to meet
.with death, the latter, on being permitted with **Go," pro-
ceeded towards Rima. And like a hill with three summits,
Tri9ira rushed towards R^ma on an effulgent car yoked with
steeds. And as a mighty cloud pours down shower, (Tri^ira)
discharging voUies of shafts, uttered a roar resembling the
sound of a wet kettledrum. And seeing that the
JRakshasa Tri^ira was advancing, Raghava resisted (his
attack) by discharging sharpened shafts. And that encounter
of those exceedingly powerful ones, Rama and Tri^ira was
fierce, like unto that between a lion and an elephant. Then
struck on the forehead J^y a brace of shafts shot by Tri^ira,
the wrathful Rama enraged, and inflamed with anger, said,
''Ah ! such is the strength of the heroic Rakshasas f I have
.been wounded in the forehead with shafts resembling flowers.

568 RXmXfANA.

Do thou also take the arrows shot from my bow.** Saying
this, (Rama) enraged, and influenced by wrath, wounded
Tri9ira in the breast with fourteen arrows. And that ener-
getic one by means of four shafts having their joints bent,
brought down his four steeds. And by means of eight arrows
(RSma) laid low the charioteer from the front of the car.
And RSLma with a shaft severed his upraised standard. Then
as that ranger of the night was descending from his broken
car, RSLma pierced his breast with arrows, — and thereat he
was stupified. Thereupon, that one of immeasurable prowess,
out of anger by means of three shafts possessed of celerity,
brought down Tri9ira's three heads. And that ranger of the
night present in the field, afflicted by the shafts of RSma,
after his heads had fallen first, fell, vomitting smoking gore*
And the R&kshasas remaining after the rest had been slain,
belonging unto Khara's original forces losing heart, began
to flee like deer terrified at a hunter. And seeing them fly,
Khara waxing wroth, swiftly making them desist, darted
towards R&ma, like RSlhu darling towards the Moon.

SECTION XXVUI.

EEING Dushana slain in fight along with Tri^ira, Khara,
witnessing RSma's prowess, was filled with fear. And see*
ing that irrisistible RSlkshasa host — even Dushana and Tri-
^ira — slain by the mighty Rama alone, and seeing the great
courage that was made in the army, that Rikshasa, Khara,
Was seized with despondency. Then as Namuchi advances
against VSsava, Khara stretching his powerful bow, advanced
against Rilma. And Khara hurled at RSma ndrdchas revel-
ing in blood, resembling infuriated venomous snakes. And
repeatedly twanging his bow, Khara, mounted on his car,
began to range the field, displaying his weapons through his

XRANYAKINDaM, 569

; acquired skill. And that mighty car-warrior covered all
r sides with his shafts. And seeing this^ Rima of a tremend-*
\ Gus bow with shafts incapable of being borne, and resembling
: tongues of flaming fire, entirely enveloped the welkin, even
as a cloud poureth down showers. And with the sharpened
shafts shot by Khara and Rama, the entire firmament on all
sides was thronged. And as each enraged was engaged in
coping with the other, the sun, enveloped in a net-work of
shafts, did not appear. And as a mighty elephant is struck
with the goad, R&ma in the conflict attacked (his opponent)
with ndlikas and ndrdchas and sharp-pointed vikirna. And
as that Rakshasa sat on his car, bow in hand, all creatures
saw him, as if he were the very Destroyer with the noose in
his hand. And at this time Khara thought that Destroyer of
all his forces, established in his manliness, the exceedingly
powerful RSima to be overcome with fatigue. And seeing
that one powerful like the lion, and gifted with the vigorous
gait of the lion, RSlma was not moved, as a lion seeing a
puny deer (is not moved). And then as an insect falls into
a flame, Khara mounting a mighty car, resembling the sun,
approached Rama. And, displaying his lightness of hand,
Khara severed the bow of the magnanimous RSlma, with the
arrow (fixed on it) at the place where it is grasped. Then
taking up seven other shafts, resplendent like the thunder-
bolt of Sakra, Khara, enraged, sent them into (RSma's)
main-joints, and then afllicting Rama of unparalleled energy
with a thousand shafts, Khara sent up in that conflict
a loud shout. And riven by the shafts discharged by
Khara, RSLma's mail resembling the sun fell to the ground.
And pierced with those arrows, all over his body, and
inflamed with rage, RSghava appeared in the field, like a
smokeless flaming fire. Then that destroyer of foes, RSLma,
for compassing the end of his enemy, stringed another
mighty bow, sending forth solemn sounds, — the redoubtable
Vaishnava bow that had been conferred on him by the

370 J^IMAFAXA.

Maharshi. And uplifting that superior bow, RSLma ru
against Khara. Then with shafts having bent knots and gc
feathers, Rlima, wrought up with rage, severed in battle Kh
standard. And on that exceedingly graceful golden stan
being hewn down it seemed as if the sun dropped t<
earth at the behest of the celestials. And thereat Kl
understanding the import of things, fired with wrath, pic
Rama's breast witfh five arrows, like one striking an elep
with a goad. And R«Lma on being pierced with a good c
shafts discharged from Khara's bow, and having his 1
bathed in Uood, was highly wroth. Thereupon that forei
t>f bowmen, and weilder of a mighty bow, taking six sh
let them go, after aiming at them. And with one sba
pierced Khara's head, with two his arms ; and with t
arrows headed like half-moons, R2Lma wounded Khara ii
chest. Then that highly energetic one, influenced by ai
assailed the RSLkshasa with thirteen ndrdchas whette*
stone and with one that exceedingly powerful one, cu
yoke of the car, with four the four steeds, with
sixth the head of Khara's charioteer, with three the j
irtvenu of the car, with two the wheel, and with the tw<
severing as if in sport Kharas bow with his ha
with the thirteenth, resembling the thunder-bolt pi<
Khara in the encounter. Then with his bow shatt<
deprived of his car, (Khara) having his horses slain as
as his charioteer killed, taking a mace in his hand Ie«
to the ground, and stood there. And the celestials
Maharsfais exceedingly rejoiced, assembled in the welk
a body, and with joined hands extolled that feat of
mighty car- warrior Rima.

♦ Another text reads : with the arr^to set. — 7*.

lRANyAK%NT>AM. 571

SECTION XXIX.

.A.ND to Khara deprived of his car standing with a mace
n his hand, that exceedingly energetic one, RSLma, preluding
^is speech with mildness, spake, ''Backed by this mighty
tost abounding in elephants and horses and cars, thou hast
lone an exceedingly- wicked deed, execrated by all the
worlds. Even if one happen to be the lord of the three
irorlds, one given to troubling creatures, and who is cruel
.nd engaged in wicked acts, can not exist. All persons
iestroy, like a snake that hath intruded itself, him that dotb
ruel deeds, hostile to the interests of every one. People
elightedly behold the end of bim that doing an action either
rom covetuousness or desire, doth not like a Br^hmain
wallowing a Karak^, see the consequence thereof. What,
) R&kshasa, dost thou gain by slaughtering exceedingly
ious ascetics engaged in righteous acts, living in the forest
i Dandaka ? Like unto trees whose roots have been reduced,
ruel persons, execrated of men, who perpetrate iniquitous
cts, do not exist long. And as a tree puts forth blossoms^
n season, the doer of sinful deeds, at the hour (of repentance)
nevitably reaps their fruit in the shape of dreadful anguish
3f the spirit). And, O ranger of night, as the effect of
aving taken rice mixed with poison, appears without delay,
ven so also people readily reap the fruit of their own acts.
) ranger of the night, it is to take the lives of the perpetra-
9rs of dreadful sins, who wish ill unto men, that I the king
ave come. Today the gold-decked arrows discharged by
le, piercing (thy body), shall enter into the earth, cleaving
t, like serpents falling into an ant-hill. Slain in battle, thou
halt in company with thy army, follow those people practis-
ig piety, whom thou hast devoured in the Dandaka forest.
*oday let those great saints, who had formerly been slain by
hee, stationed in the sky, behold thee slain (in turn) with my

57-? RAMXrANA,

arrows^ and inhabiting hell. Do thou strike as thou lik
And thou that art of an odious race, do thou put forth
energy. Today I will bring down thy head, even as a p
falls to the ground." Thus addressed by RSma, Kl
enraged and beyond himself with passion, with eyes rcddei
replied, "O son of Da9aratha, why having slain infc
Rakshasas in battle, dost thou praise thyself without reas
Those foremost of men that are puissant and powerful
not, inflated with their energy, mouth (their own coi
quence). It is the mean-minded Kshatriyas of impure he
that magnify themselves among men, even as tl
O Rama, dost. What hero, when the hour of his death I
approached, publishes in the field his own lofty lineage
sings his own hymn. As brass wearing the semblanc
gold, displays its own defect on being heated,* with a
lit with Ku9a, t so thou hast betrayed thy own lightness
this speech of thine. Thou dost not see me staying I
mace in hand, like a moveless mountain dyed in me
bearing mobile and immobile things. I can, mace in h
deprive thee and the three worlds to boot clean of your li
like the very Destroyer with the noose in his hand. E
will not parley much with thee as much as I could wish :
sun is going to set, and our fight shall be interrupted. F
teen thousand R§kshasas have been slaughtered by thee
will for their deaths wipe their tears to-day." Sayings
Khara, highly enraged, hurled his macej provided
golden rings at R^ma, like unto the blazing thunder!
Thereat, reducing to ashes trees and shrubs, that mi|
flamingo mace, discharged by Khara's arm, fell be
RSlma. And RSlma severed in many fragments that mi
mace, resembling the noose of Death, as ascending
welkin, it was coming down. Thereupon, like a she-ser]

♦ f>. becomes dusky, '^s R4xnanuya intelligently remarks. — T.
f Another reading is, lit with husks.
X Another reading hs, plaited with gold.

IRANIAKANDAM, 573

brought down by force of incantations, the mace fell to the
earth shattered and riven.

SECTION XXX.

r (jutting off the mace with his shafts, RSlghava attached
E unto righteousness with a smile said unto Khara these angry
t words, "Thou vilest of Rikshasas, this is the utmost of thy
: might, which thou hast displayed. Rendered more nerveless
at my hands, in vain dost thou storm. Riven by my shafts,
thy mace, belonging unto thee who art prolix in the matter
of vocabulary, destroying thy confidence, hath saught the
earth. And what thou hadst said, — "I will wipe the tears
of the Rikshasas that have been slain,** hath also proved
false. As Garura stole ambrosia, will I deprive thee, O
R&kshasa, who art base, of a mean disposition and a false
character, of thy life. To day the earth shall drink the blood
vitiated with foamy bubbles, of thee, having thy throat
severed, and riven by my shafts. Having all thy body
covered with dust, and thy two arms lopped off, thou shalt,
difficult to win, take thy nap, embracing the earth, like a
damsel difficult to win. On thee, disgrace of Rakshasas,
lying down, and being fast asleep, this Dandaka shall be
refuge of those that shall resort to it for shelter. O R§kshasa,
in thy JanasthSna, with its (R§kshasas) slain by my shafts,
ascetics shall fearlessly go about in the wood. Today
RSLkshasas, capable of exciting fear in others, rendered forlorn
and with their friends slain, shall from fear, with their faces
wet with tears, fly (this place). To day thy wives whose
husband art thou of such a nature, — and who are of a like
lineage (with thyself), — shall experience the sentiment of
sorrow, and be deprived of their all. Thou of a cruel disposi-
tion, thou of ignoble soul, thou that art aye a thorn (in the

574 PiMAlAiWA.

si<ie) of Br^hinanas, it is for thee that ascetics, frigiitened
dispirited, have so long been pouring the clarified butler/
As RSghava, influenced by anaer, said this in the fi(
Khara from wrath, with accents rendered harsheri fell
censuring (R2ma\ '*Thou art wondrous proud : and tboi
art fearless albeit fear is present unto thee. And cone
under the sway of death, thou dost not understand what
should be said and what left unspoken. Those persons tbt
have been fast bound by the noose of death, do not is
consequence of their senses having ceased to perform their
functions, descern what is proper and what improper*
Sayinii; this unto Rama, that ranger of the night (Khani
pursing liis brows, espied a mighty sala hard by. Aal
looking about him on all sides in the field for a weapon, Iip
uprooted it, biting his nether lip. And raising up the tree
with his arms, and uttering a roar, that exceedingly powerfil
one aiming at RSima discharged it, exclaiming,— "Dead thos
art/' And as it descended, the puissant R&ma cut it off bf
means of a multitude of shafts, got into a mighty rage far
the purpose of slaying Khara in battle. Then Rftma peis-
piring, with eyes reddened in wr;4th, pierced Khara in battle
with a thousand shafts. And blood mixed with froth gushel
by the sides of the shafts, like torrents flowing from founlait
in a hill* stupifitrd in battle by the shafts shot by R&ma, and
maddened by the smell of blood, Khara furiously made Im
R&ma. And as he (Khara) was rushing on, bathed with bIoo4
R9ma equipped with arms, suddenly summoning his strengtl
walked backward two or three paces. Then with the Tiei
of bringing about (Khara's end) R&ma took up in the com
flict an arrow resembling fire or another weapon el
BrahmSi himself. And that righteous one shot at Khan
that (arrow), which had been conferred on him by Ik
intelligent MaghavSn. And discharged by R&ma from U
bent bow. that mighty arrow with the roaring of the thundei

• The text varies slightly in Other texts.— T.

ARA.yyA kXxdaal 575

3olt fell at Khara's breast. And burning' in the fire of the
urow, Khara fell clown on the earth, like tlie giant Andhnk.i*
in the forest of Sweta, consumed by Rudra. And threat Khara
slain fell down like Vritra slain by the thunder-bolt, or Naniu-
chi by .foanFi,t or Vala by Indra's Acani. After this, the
celestials, assembled with the Chiranas, struck with won<icr
joyfully sounded kettledrums and showered blossoms on
R&ma. "In over half a moment RSLma by means of sharpened
shafts hath slain in mighty encounter fourteen thousand
RSLkshasas, wearing shapes at will, headed by Khara and
Dushana. Ah ! mighty is the feat achieved by R^ma knowing
self. Ah ! this mighty prowess, this mighty firmjiess, show
like unto those of Vishnu himself." Saying this all the dei-
ties went to from where they had come. Then the Rajarshis
4n company with supreme saints, with Agastya (at their head),
gladly paying homage unto RSlma, said the following words,
•**lt is for this that the chastiser of Paka, the great Indra,
Purandra, had paid a visit to the sacred asylum of
Sarabhanga. And the Maharshis had dexterously brought
thee to this place, for compassing the destruction of those
foes — the wicked Rakshasas. And it is owing to this, that,
O son of Da9aratha, thou hast performed this mighty deed.
(Now) the Maharshis will carry on their proper pious offices
in the Dandaka«'' After this, that hero, Lakshmana, accom-
panied with Siii came out of the mountain cavern, and
joyfully entered the asylum. Then the victorious and heroic,
R^ma, honored by the Maharshis, entered the asylum,
worshipped by Lakshmana. And seeing that destroyer of
foes, and bringer of comfort unto the Maharshis, her husband,

* The Asura Andhaka was slain in the forest of Sweta by Rudra. This is
related in the Puranas. Another reading is Sroetarayge yathantaka like the
Destroyer in the forest of Sweta. Swa, according to the Kurma Pur ana Uttra
Akanda, in the Kalanyara bill, by a kick with his left leg. slew the
Destroyer, engaged in pennances, who had come to kill the Rajarshi Sweta,
who was a great votary of Siva. — T.

t Naiiiuchi was »lain by a thunder-bolt laid over with foam. — T.

576 RlMXyANA.

Vaidehi embraced him. And seeing the multi
of Rakshasas slain, Janaka's daughter, beholdio]
undeteriorating Rama, ministered unto him in'ith su]
joy. And with a delightful countenance again embr
that destroyer of foes, who had been honored b]
delighted Mahar^his^ Janaka's daughter became exceed
happy.

SECTI0>J XXXI.

JLheN Akampana bestiring himself, speedily issuin
of Janasthana, spake unto RSLvana, ''O king, a ^reat i
R&kshasa living in Janasthana,have been slain^and Khar;
hath been slain in battle. I alone have with much diffi
managed to come here." Thus addressed, the ten-n<
one, flaming up in energy, with his eyes reddened in \»
said this unto Akampana, ''Who, having his days numb
hath ravaged the dreadful Janasthana ? Who shall no
wend the way of all beings ? Doing me a bad turn, Mi
van himself, or Vai9ravana, or Yama, or Vishnu, ca
attain happiness. I am the destroyer of the Destroyer
self ; and I burn even very Fire. And I can bring* I
itself to mortality. I can by my impetus resist the for
the wind. And when enraged, I can by my energy con
the Sun and Fire." Thereat, Akampana, with joined h
from fear replied to the ten-necked Rivana, in faltering n
beseeching courage. Thereat that foremost of R4ksl
the ten-necked one, granted him courage. Then ins
with confidence, Akampana without fear spoke, ''There
son of Da9aratha. youthful, resembling a lion*, named R
of broad shoulders, and possessed of excellent beauty of
and mighty-arms. (He) is sable-hued, of high fame

* Another reading is Virangn.rupopeta : possessed of kandspme

iRANrAKlNDAM. 577

^mX matchless prowess and vigor. It is he that in Janasthana
dsath slain Khara with Dushana/' Hearing Akampana's
fe^iVords, that lord of the Rakshasas, Ravana, breathing like a
amighty serpent, said these words, ''Tell me, O Akampana,
: liath Rama come to Janasthana, accompanied with the sover-
c«ign of the celestials and the body of the immortals ? Again
bearing RSLvana's words, Akampana described the strength
and energy of that high-souled one. (He) is named Rama,
and is exceedingly energetic ; the foremost of all bowmen —
furnished with celestial panoply ; and is possessed of pre-emi-
nent prowess in warfare. Like unto him in strength, of red
eyes, and gifted with a voice like the sound of a kettledrum,
ss his younger brother, Lakshmana has a countenance resembl-
ri ing the full-moon. He hath met with him (RSLma) as the
^ wind meeteth with a flame. He is endeued with grace, and
c is the foremost of monarchs. It is he who hath ravaged
K Janasthana. The magnanimous gods did not come there.
y No doubts need be entertained on this head. The feathered
. shafts, plated with gold near the plumed part, becoming five-
mouthed serpents ate up the Rakshasasj Wherever
oppressed with fear the Rakshasas go, they see Rama
stationed before them. In this way, O sinless one, hath
Janasthana been exterminated by him." Hearing Akampana's
words, R&vana said, ''I will go to Janasthana for slaying
Rama with Lakshmana.'' When he had said this, Akampana
said, "Hear, O king, the true report of RSma's prowess and
manliness. Enraged, the highly famous R&ma cannot by put-
ting forth vigor be checked. And by means of his shafts, he
can make river in full flood turn its course. And he can bring
down from the sky its stars and planets, and that graceful
one can recover the depressed Earth. And that lord can sub-
merge all creatures by riving the continents of the sea, and
with his shafts can resist the onset of the ocean, and the
wind ; and that illustrious one that foremost of persons by
virtue of his vigor, destroying the worlds, can again create

578 J^AmIVANA.

all creatures. O ten-necked one, forsooth, Rima cannot be
subdued in conflict, either by thee or the world of RSkkshasas,
as heaven is incapable of beings attained by a sinner. I
deem him incapable of being slain by all the Gods and
Asuras together. This alone is the means of slaying. Da
thou heedfully listen to it ! He has a wife of sterling worth
in the world, and that slender-waisted one is known by the
name of Sita. She is in the full bloom of youth, and hath a
symmetrical person — a jewel among womankind embellish-
ed with jewels. And neither a goddess^ nor a Gandharbi,
nor yet an Apsari, nor a Pannagi is equal to her ; and what
is a human female ? Thrashing him, do thou in the mighty
forest, carry away his wife. Without Sita, RSma shall cease
to exist." Thereupon, the lord of the Rakshasas, R^vana,
happened to relish those words ; and reflecting (a while),
that mighty-armed one addressed Akampana, saying, ''Excel-
lent well. I will go there alone, accompanied by my charioteer
only. I will this very morning with a glad heart bring
Vaidehi to this spacious palace." Saying this, R2lvana de-
parted, lighting up all sides, on a sun-shiny car, yoked with
mules. And coursing the firmament, that mighty car of that
foremost of RSLkshasas looked like the Moon among clouds.
And proceeding far, he, approaching the asylum (of TSraka's
son), presented himself before him. And Maricha entertain-
ed the king with meats and drinks passing human. And
having entertained him personally with a seat and water (to
wash the feet), Maricha spoke these pregnant words, **0
king, O lord of the Rakshasas, is it well with the worlds ?
I am filled with fear : I apprehend that all is not right, since
thou hast come hither (alone) in such post-haste speed."
Thus addressed by Maricha, the highly energetic Ravana,
versed in speech, said, ''My child, the guards (of Janasthana)
have been slain by Rima of untiring energy ; and all Janas-
thana^ incapable of being slain, hath (by him) been brought
down in battle. Do thou, therefore, assist me in carrying

ARANKAKANDAM, 579

oaway his wife." Hearing these words of the lord of RSLkshasas,
KtM&richa said, "What enemy of thine in the guise of a friend,
shath spoken of SitS unto thee ? And, O foremost of mon-
^archs, who, having been, entertained by thee, doth not bear
fi(thee good will ?* Tell me, who is it that hath told thee,
^ 'Bring SitS hither?' Who is it that hath set his heart on
n severing the summit of the entire RSlkshasa world ? He
i^inust be thy enemy that excites thee to this. Of this there
-gis not the least doubt. He wishes to extract through thy
jxAgency the fangs of a venomous snake. Who (intends) to
2{lead thee astray by imposing on thee such a deed ? Who,
.^O king, hath struck in the head, thee that wast slumbering
2; in peace ? RSighava in war is like a mad elephant, having an
J unblemished ancestry for his trunk, perspiration for his
jf temporal exudation ; and arms resting well beside him for
; his tusks. O RSvana, thou art not competent even to look
j^ at him. Thou ought not to rouse up the sleeping man-lion,
^ that slayer of skillful RSLkshasas resembling deer, with his
^ sport in the field, for his joints and down ; arrows for his
^ body and sharp scimitar for his teeth. O Sovereign of the
^ R2lkshasas, thou ought not to plunge thyself into this dread-
^ ful, and abysslesss ocean, having the bow for its alligators,
■• activity of arms for its shine, arrows for its billows, and
f engagement for its waters. Be propitious, O lord of Lanka!

O foremost of RSLkshasas, with a contented heart, thou hadst
I better go thy way to LankSl. Do thou ever sport with thy
. own wives : let R5ma in company with his wife, sport in the

woods." Thus addressed by Miricha, the ten-throated
; RSvana desisted, and entered Lanka the best of capitals.

^ Another reading is — ko na nandaii ninditi ; who having heen insulted
■ by ihee, doth not rejoice (in thy prosperity), and, therefore, in the garb of friend-
ship, liath done thee this wrong P — ^T.

58o RUmIYANA.

SECTION XXXII

lEElNG fourteen thousands of R&kshasas of dreij
deeds, together with Dushana, and Khara, and Tri^ira, si
in battle by RSLma single-handed, that one resembling cIoq
SurpanakS, again fell to send up mighty sounds, k
witnessing RSma's deeds, incapable of being performed
others, she, extremely agitated, went to LankS, ruled
RSLvana. And she saw the effulgent RSvana in front of
palace, surrounded by his counsellors, like V&sava surroir
ed by the Maruts ; seated on a supreme golden seat rest
bling the sun, and like unto a flaming fire on a golden d
kept alive by sacrificial offerings; unconquerable by hi
souled saints, celestials, Gandharbas and all creator
terrible like the Destroyer with his mouth wide open :
persons containing scars* of wounds inflicted by the thtiDc
bolt and the lightnings, in the war between the gods s
Asuras ; his breast bearing marks of attacks made by A
vata with the ends of his tusks ; — having twenty hat
and ten heads, — wearing elegant attire ; broad breast
heroic ; marked with royal signs ; (in hue) resembling <
lapises ; embellished in ornaments of burnished gold ; hav
goodly hands, white teeth, and a huge face resemblin
hill ; — even him who in the war of the gods had been assai
an hundred ways with the descent of Vishnu's discus ; wb
body had been cut with all the weapons of the celestii
(him) who furiously disturbs the deep incapable of be
disturbed ; uproots mountain summits, and tramples €
gods, — the destroyer of righteousness, and the violater
other's wives ; — the employer of all celestial arms, and <
disturber of sacrifices ; — ^who going to the city of Rhajjh

^ This reminds one of Milton : of Belxebub, he ssjrs, —
" His person

Deep scars of thunder had intrenched— rffr. i>f#,— 'Booik 1

^^AJ^AA fa KTlNDA 31. 581

.nd vanquishing VSsaki, had carried off Takshaka's beloved

wife; who, going to Kaila^a, and defeating him having for

mis vehicle a human being, had carried off the car Pushpaka

4 coursing at every where at will ; who endeued with prowess

ristiad devastated the divine Chaitraratha grove, the tank

a^Csituated there) and the Nandana wood, — as well as the

c gardens of the gods ; and, who, himself resembling a mountain

i summit, had by means of his upraised arms, obstructed

.: the rising of these repressor of foes the exalted Sun and

3 Moon ; who, possessed of calmness, havingr formerly for ten

s thousand years carried on asceticism in the mighty forest,

2 offered his own heads unto the self create one j who in

ri,' conflict fears, not death from either gods or Danavas or

; Gandharbas, or Pi^Schas or birds or serpents, from none save

:^ human beings 5 who, possessed of prodigious strength, forcibly

f takes away the clarified butter sanctified with mantras from

I the sacrificial ground ; the destroyer of sacrifices about

r to be completed ; of villanous nature ; the slaughterer of

BrShmanas ; of cruel deeds ; harsh and kindless, and ever

bent on doing evil unto all creatures ; and railing furiously

at all creatures ; the inspirer of fear in all beings. And the

RSLkshasi beheld her exceedingly powerful and cruel brother,

wearing gorgeous apparel and ornaments, and decked in

a i^lorious garland, — seated, like the Destroyer at the time

(of dissolution) ready (to destroy) ; the exalted chief of

R^kshasas ; the delight of the race of Paulastya. Stupificd

with fear, the R&kshasi, approaching that destroyer of foes ;

RSvana, surrounded by his counsellors, said these words.

And transported with fear and desire, SurpanakhS, given to

fearlessly ranging every where, who had been deformed by

that high-souled one, showing (her mutilation), addressed

these harsh words unto R&vana of flaming and expansive eyes.

5^2 KAiVAYANA.

SECTION XXXIIt.

Xhen the woe begone Surpanakha, in high wrath spoke
harshly in the midst of the courtiers, unto RSlvana, given to
railing loudly against all creatures, "Intoxicated with enjoy-
ments, acting as thou wilt, and without any control whatever,
thou dost not see that a dreadful disaster is impending.
The subjects do not esteem a monarch that is given to sensual
enjoyments, is intent upon satisfying his lust and is cove-
tous like the fire in a cemetery. The king that doth not
act at the proper time, finds destruction along with his king-
dom and act?. Even as elephants shun the muddy river,
do people shun from a distance, the ruler that doth not send
out spies, who showeth not himself (unto his subjects), and
who hath lost his independence. Like unto rocks in the sea,
those monarchs that do not administer their dominions, that
are not dependent, do not prosper. Having incurred the
hostility of the gods, the DSlnavas and the Gandharbas of
subdued souls and senses, how canst thou, who art fickle,
and hast not employed spies, become the king ? And, O
RSLkshasa, thou art childish and foolish ; and doth not
know what thou shouldst. How canst thou then become
the king ? O thou best of conquerers, those kings whose
spies, exchequer and morality are not free, are like the
common herd. It is because kings know distant dangers
through spies, therefore they are styled far-sighted. I believe
thou hast no spies, and that thy counsellors are common
folks, since although Janasthana with thy kinsman is destroy-
ed, yet thou takest it not to heart. Fourteen thousands of
R§kshasas of dreadful deeds, with Khara and Dushana, have
all been slain by Rama single-handed ; Rima of untiring
energy hath inspired the saints with courage ; the Dandakas
have been benefitted ; and JanasthSna hath been harassed.
But thou, covetous and intoxicated and in the power of

iRANrAKlNDAM, 583

hers, dost not understand that a great danger is over-
anging (thee). People do not in times of peril assist a
-vereign that is wrathful, stingy, intoxicated, haughty and
ftceitful. Even his own kindred slay a sovereign that sets
zimense store by his own self, is of light worth, regards

^nself highly, and irascible. They do not serve him ; nor
» they fear when he intimidates them. Such an one is speedi-
dethroned ; and reduced to poverty and becomes like a
:araw. Even dry wood may serve a purpose ; or stone, or
ast ; but no purpose is capable of being served by a sovere-
n> that hath been cast off his place. Like a cloth that hath
sen worn, like a garland that hath been trodden, a king
kat hath been dethroned, although able, is of no conse-
uence. But a king that keeps his wits about him, under-
lands everything, is of controlled senses, and grateful, and
- virtuous character, endureth for ever. That king is honored
y men, that sleeping with his eyes, is awake as respects
is eye of duty, and (the effects oQ whose anger and favor,
re seen (by all). But, thou RSLvana/who hast not by means
f spies, acquainted thyself with the slaughter of RSikshasas,
ft of evil understanding and bereft of all these virtues.
liven to disgracing others, ignorant of the proper distribu-
ion of time and place,* and never taking care to distinguish
lerits and defects, thou, thy kingdom being in danger, wilt
peedily meet with disaster." On his vices having been thus
elebrated by her (SurpanakhS), that lord of the rangers of
light, Ravana, musing awhile, was long plunged in thought.

* The commentator, is silent here. The meaning evidently is, thou dost not
iscern the where andwhen of things. — T,

584 rXmXyaNA.

SECTIO N XXXIV.

J^EEING Surpanaka speak harsh words in the midst of the
courtiers, Rfivana, being enraged, asked her, saying, '*Who
is Rama ? And what is his prowess ? And what his form ?
And what his power ? And why hath he entered the forest
of Dandaka, difficult to range ? And what R5ma*s weapons,
by means of which he hath slain the RSkshasas ? And Khara
bath been slain in battle, and Dushana and Tri9ira. Do
thou, O thou of a pleasing person, tell me the truth. And
who hath deformed thee ?'* Thus addressed by the lord of
the R&kshasas^ the RSlkshasi, transported with rage, com-*
menced to duly narrate all about Rama. ''Rama the son of
Da9aratha is long-armed, of expansive eyes, clad in bark and
dark deer-skin, and like Kandarpa in grace. And drawing
a bow resembling that of Sakra, decked with golden rings,
he discharges blazing nirachas^ like unto serpents of viru-
lent poison. I do not see in the field, RSLma drawing his
bow : I only see the host being slaughtered by a shower of
shafts. And as Indra destroys (a field of; goodly crops, by
pouring down hail stones, fourteen thousand RUkshasas of
dreadful prowess, as well as Khara and Dushana were in a
little over a moment slain with sharp shafts by R&ma alone
fighting on foot. And he hath reassured the saints, and
after having been deformed, I alone from fear of slaying a
woman, have been let off by the high-souled Rama knowing
self. His brother is endeued with mighty energy, and in
merit, is of equal prowess ; and he is devoted to his brother,
and beareth him regard ; the puissant one is named Laksh*
mana. And wrathful and invincible and victorious, and
powerful, and intelligent and mighty, (he) is Raftia's right-
arm — his life ranging externally. And RSLma's virtuously
wedded beloved wife, having expansive eyes, and a face
resembling the full-moon, is ever to the welfare of her lord.

AranvakIndam. 585

And that fair-haired, fair-nosed, and fair-thighed illustri-
ous one possessed of beauty, graceth the forest like
a goddess, — as if a goddess of wealth herself. Of the

: lustre of burnished gold, with her finger nails reddish
and projecting, and graceful, that surpassingly lovely
wench is named Sit§ — the slender waisted daughter
of Videha. And neither a goddess, nor a Gandharbi, nor

I a Yakshi, nor a Kinnari, had I seen before on earth, possess-
ed of such beauty. He that shall have Sita for his

; spouse, and who shall be warmly embraced by her, shall live
longer in the world than the Lord of celestials himself.
That good-natured girl, unparalleled on earth in loveliness,
who can well pride herself on her person, is a worthy wife
for thee ; and thou too art a fit husband for her. It is to
bring over for thee that one of spacious hips, and a high
and well-developed bust, that I had put forth my endea-
vours. But, O mighty-armed one I have been disfigured
by the wicked Lakshmana. As soon as thou hast seen
Vaidehi having a countenance resembling the full moon,
thou shalt be afflicted with the shafts of Cupid. If it
is thy purpose to have her for thy wife, at once stretch forth
thy right leg, for attaining success. If, O lord of R5k-
shasas, thou relishest my speech, do thou then, O Ravana,
w ithout fear, do as I tell thee. Understanding their incapa-
city, do thou, O lord of R§kshasas, for making her thy wife,
by force carry away the frail Sit2L of a blameless person.
Hearing that Rama by means of straight coursing shafts hath
slain the Rakshasas that had gone to Janasthana, and seeing
Khara and Dushana, killed, do thou ascertaining thy course,
adopt it.

5S6 JtlMlVANA.

SECTION XXXV.

H EARING those words of Surpanakhll, able to make
one's hair stand on end, (R§vana) ascertaining his course
after issuing his orders to his councellors, departed. And
proposing to himself that act, weighing its good and evil,
considering his capacity or otherwise, and (finally) determin-
ing his purpose, Rftvana with a fixed mind went to the
handsome stable. And going to the stable in disguise, the
lord of the R&kshasasas commanded the charioteer, saying,
^•Yoke the car.'' Thus asked, the charioteer possessed of
fleet vigor, in a trice, yoked an excellent car after his heart.
And ascending the car coursing at will, made of gold and
garnished with spectral faces as well as arrow decked with
gold, — resembling a mass of clouds, the graceful ruler of the
R&kshasas — younger brother to the Lord of wealth — proceeded
in that noiseless (vehicle), past the lord of rivers and streams.
And with chouris of white hair, and a white umbrella, having
ten-faces, resembling (in hue) cool lapises, wearing orna*
inents of polished gold, possessed of ten mouths, and twenty
arms, clad in elegant apparel, — the foe of the celestials, and
flayer of the foremost ascetics — having huge heads like
unto the monarch of mountains, the lord of the RSLkshasas,
mounted on' that chariot coursing at will, appeared beautiful
like a mass of clouds in the sky, with cranes, in the midst
of lightning. And that one possessed of prowess beheld
the shore of the sea, containing crags, scattered with trees
bearing fruits and flowers of various kinds by thousands,
bordered all around with pools furnished with cool and
delightful waters, ornamented with spacious asylums having
daises, graced with woods of plantain, beauteous with cocoa-
nuts, and blossoming sdla and palmyra, and tamala, trees,
grateful with supreme saints rigidly restraining their fear,
and with serpents and fowls of fair feathers and Gandharbas

JiRANVAKlNDAM, 587^

and Kinnaras by thousands ; and pleasant with Siddhas

anil Chiranas, that have controlled their lust ; with th6ss

descendants of Brahmll — the Vaikhanas, the MSlshas. the

^ Valakhilyas, and the Marichipas ; swarming with females,

* divinely beautiful, dight with gorgeous ornaments and gar-
^ lands, and Apsar§s skilled in sport, by thousands ; frequented

" by the wives of the celestials, and honored by graceful girls ;
^ ranged by multitudes of deities and D^navas, feeding on am*-

* brosia; abounding with swans, Kraunchas, and frogs, echoing
P to (the cries of) cranes ; containing stones resembling the
' ^ lapis, and mild and cool by the influence of the ocean. And as
B he proceeded, the younger brother of the Lord of wealth, saw
■5 on all sides spacious cars capable of coursing at will, sable,
^ furnished with fair garlands, and resounding with trumpet
'J^ notes, — and Gandharbas and Apsaras. And surveying by
yi thousands woods of sandal exuding gum at their roots,*
t and of choice aguruy grateful unto the sense of smell ; and
I woods and groves of excellent and odorous takkola fruits ;
i blossoms of the Tam§la, and thickets of black pepper;
':. heaps of pearls drying on the shore ; rocks ; the best corals

i in masses ;t summits of gold and silver ,% charming pellucid
rills at places ; and cities filled with corn and wealth,
abounding in gems of women, and thronged with hordes^
elephants and cars — RSLvana on the shore of the ocean
beheld around a level and soft scene, resembling heaven
itself — ^where breezes of delicate feel kept breathing. And
there he saw a fig tree, hued like clouds, surrounded
by ascetics ; its branches stretched around an hundred
Yoyanas, and the exceedingly powerful Garura had ascended
one of its boughs, taking an elephant and a huge tor-
toise, for the purpose of devouring them. And that best

♦ Niryydsurasamutanam, gen, fsandalj, which forms the principal in^
gredieni in perfumes, containing odorous gums.-^T,
t Another reading is : heaps of conch. — T.
i Some texts read sailam^^hills. — T,

588

IclMlYANA.

of birds, the powerful Suparna by his weight suddenly bi
a branch containing full many leaves. And it came to
that VaikhSnasas, Mashas, V§lakhilyas, MarichipaSf A]
and Dhumras, — saints of the highest order — had asseml
there. Thereat, moved by commisseration (for the ascetic!i|
the virtuous Garura, taking with promptitude the brokal
bough measuring an hundred Yoyanas as well as the elephai
and the tortoise, by one leg, at length eating up the aniouk
and by means of the bough, exterminating the country i\
the Nishadas — that best of birds attained unequalled del^
in consequence of having rescued the mighty ascetici|
Thereat, attaining double energy by virtue of that deligk.1
that intelligent one set his heart on bringing ambrosia. Aai
tearing off the iron links of the network, and bursting inti
the repository of gem, he carried away secreted ambrosi
from the residence of the great Indra. Kuvera's yoangcr
brother beheld this fig tree, named Subhadra^ grmi
with the Maharshi, on which Suparna had left his mark.
Then repairing to the other shore of that lord of rivers, the
ocean, Ravana saw an asylum lying in the forest in a chara-
ing and sacred recess. And there he saw a R^kshasa, namdl
Maricha, clad in a dark deer-skin, bearing a head of matted
locks, subsisting on restricted fare. And approachia|
Ravana duly, the Rakshasa, Miricha, received the king witk
every hospitality passing human. And having entertained
him personally with meats and drinks, M§richa addressed
him in weighty words, saying, "O lord of the R&kshasas, 0
king, is it well with thee in LankSL ? And what for hast thoa
again come hither so speedily ?" Thus addressed by MAridia,
that highly powerful one, skilled in speech, R&vana said.

IRaNFAKANDAM, 589

secti on xxxvi.

\J Marlcha, hearken unto me, my child, as I relate
everything unto thee). I am distressed j and in this distress of
nine, thou art certainly my great refuge. Thou knowest Janas-
l)2Lna, where lives my brother Khara, and the mighty-armed
Dushana, and my sister, Surpanakha ; as also that Rakshasa
subsisting on (human) flesh, the long armed Tri9ira, and
many other heroic night-rangers besides, of high enthusiasm
n battles — RSkshasas, who had been living there at my
command, troubling in the mighty forest the ascetics carry-
ng on their pious offices. And fourteen thousands of
RSLkshasas of dreadful deeds, heroic, high-spirited, —
RSLkshasas possessed of exceeding prowess 5 while residing
,n Janasthana of late, — clad in mail and equipped with
various weapons, headed by Khara, met with Rama in the
field. Getting enraged, R2lma in conflict without returning
any harsh speech, by means of his shafts shot from his bow,
— hath, a human being, and fighting on foot, with his flaming
arrows slaughtered fourteen thousand Rakshasas of fierce
energy. And Khara hath been slain in battle, and Dushana
also hath been brought down. And having slain Tri9ira
too, (Rama) hath rid the Dandaka of all fear. Having been
expelled by his enraged sire, that disgrace of Kshatriyas, the
weak R§ma, living in company with his wife hath effected
the destruction of this army. He is of a vile character,
crabbed, foolish, covetuous, of uncontrolled senses, bereft
of morality, sinful, and ever engaged in the evil of all crea-
tures,— by whom, violently without hostility my sister hath
been deformed in the forest by having her nose and ears cut
off. Of him will I carry off by force from Janasthana, his
wife, Sita, resembling the daughter of a celestial. Be thou
my help in it. For certain, O exceedingly strong one, if thou
help me at my side, if my brothers also back me, I do not

59<> RlMlyANA.

think much of all the celestials. Therefore, be thou my help ;
for, thou art capable, O RSLkshasa. In prowess in battle, and
in indomitableness, there is none like thee. Thou art a
mighty hero commanding resources, and conversant with
potentillusory displays. Taking this to my heart, I have
come to thee, O ranger of the night. Do thou listen as to
the business in which by my command thou art to help me.
Becoming a golden deer, marked with silver spots, do thou
range about in Rama's asylum in presence of Sit§. Seeing
thee helpless, in the shape of a deer, SitSl will say unto her
lord and Lakshmana also, — '*Do ye catch it.*' And when
they shall have departed, I shall carry off from the
empty asylum, SitSl without let, like RSLhu depriving the
Moon of his splendour. Then when RSLma shall be sore
afflicted because of the carrying off of his wife, I shall easily,
crowning my soul with success, safely bear away Sita.
Hearing Rama's words, the face of the high-souled Miricha
became blank and he was seized with apprehension. And
licking up his dried lips, with winkless eyes, (Maricha) as if
dead, and exceedingly distressed, eyed R&vana, steadily.
And alarmed because of Rlvana, with his mind depressed,
MSiricha who well knew R&ma's prowess in the forest, with
joined hands in agitation spoke words lending to his own
as well as RSLvana's welfare.

SECTION XXX VII.

JjL EARING the words of that sovereign of the Rlkshasas,
the highly energetic Miricha, skilled in speech, answered
the Rakshasa chief, saying, "O king, the speaker of soft
words is common, but the speaker and the listner of unwelcome
though beneficial words are rarities. Volatile, and employing
no spies, thou surely dost not understand the exceedingly

iRANFAKlNDAM, 59»

powerful RSma towering high in virtues^ and resembling
the illustrious Indra or Varuua himself. I shall be well, my
child, if RSLma fired with rage, do not render all the world
bereft of Rakshasas ; if Janaka's daughter hath not sprung
to compass thy destruction, if a dreadful disaster do not
befall thee because of SitS, and if having obtained for her
lord thee that art wilful and wicked, the city of Lanka with
thee and the RAkshasas do not meet with utter extermination.
The sovereign who is wicked, whimsical and of evil intent
like thee, bringeth about his own destruction as well as that of
his kingdom and relatives. RSLma, the enhancer of Kau^alya's
delight hath not been abandoned by his father, nor is he
devoid of propriety of conduct ; he is not avaricious, wicked
nor the destroyer of Kastriya race. He does not lack
religious merits or accomplishments, nor is he of a harsh
temperament and intent on causing misery unto creatures.
Finding his truthful sire imposed on by Kaikeyi he
has sojourned unto woods. For compassing the wel-
fare of his father Da9aratha and Kaikeyi he hath entered
the forest of Dandaka. Rama, O my child is not harsh or
foolish ; nor has he not control over his senses. Far from
speaking untruth he does not know false stories even. It doth
not behove thee therefore to use such improper language
towards him. He is an incarnation of virtue, pious and
truthful, and lord of all men as BSlsava of all celestials. How
dost thou then wish to carry away by force his Vaidehi, pro-
tected by virtue of her own chastity, like unto the rays of
Sun ? It doth not behove thee to enter that fire of RSLma who
hath arrows for rays and bow and scimitar for fuel. It doth
not behove thee, O Ravana, to approach RSLma renouncing
thy kingdom, happiness and love of life, who is like unto
death itself and has bow for his widened and flaming mouth,
and arrows for his rays and who is irrepressible, of mighty
prowess, holding bows and arrows and repulsing the forces
of the enemy. Incomparable is his power; daughter of

59» RImAYANA.

Janaka is his wife and lives in the forest confiding in thcf
mighty strength of his bow ; thou shalt not be able to carry
her away. She is the beloved wife of that best of men
having a leonine chest — and he holds his wife dearer than his
life and is ever attached unto her. And young Sit3L beloved
of the mighty R5ma, and like unto the rays of flaming fire
is ever incapable of being carried away by thee. Of what avail
is this vain attempt O Rakshasa chief? No sooner RSma
shall see you in the battle thou shalt meet with thy end.
Hard it is to attain life, happiness and kingdom, so it behoveth
thee to act properly, after consulting with thy ministers
headed by Bivishana, judging RSlma's merits and demerits
and ascertaining his and thy own strength and as well as
thy welfare. Methinks thy approaching conflict with the so»
of the Ko9ala chief forebodes no good unto thee ; hear again
therefore O prince of the night-rangers, words sensible and
lending to thy welfare^

SECTION xxxviifr

vJnce on a time I was engaged in travelling all over thr
earth. I had in my body, resembling a huge mountain, the
strength of a thousand Nagas. I had parigha in my hands,
crown on my head and golden ear-rings on my ears and my
body was of a dark blue colour like that of a cloud. Causing
fright unto the people I used to wander through the forest
of Dandaka and live upon the flesh of the Rtshis. The
pious ascetic Viswamitrd being afraid of me went in person
to the king Da^aratha and said, ''When I shall remain
absorbed in meditation on the occasion of parva^ let RSima
protect me O king, Truly am I afraid of this Maricha.'*
Being thus addressed by.the ascetic the virtuous-souled king
Da9aratha replied, saying ''RSigbava is still under twelve

iRANTAKlNDAM. 593

bears of age and hath not been well disciplined in tnilitary arts.

I have soldiers enough, and if permitted by thee^ O thou

of ascetics, I shall with my four-fold, forces kill thy

sSnemies, the rangers of the night." Being thus addressed

iihat ascetic spoke unto the monarch, saying, "True it is that

idiou wert the protector of the celestials in the War and

0Sky exploits are well known to the world, but no one shall

toe able to withstand the RSLkshasas but RSLma. The highly

i^nergetic R&ma, though a boy is sufficiently qualified to

defeat the enemies ; therefore, O Destroyer of foes, let thy

soldiery remain here and let me proceed along with RSlma.

May God bless thee/' Saying this the ascetic Viswamitra

l»eing pleased went to his asylum along with RSlma. After-

inrards having been initiated for the sacrifice in the forest

df Dandaka RSLma having unstrung his mighty bow came

to the ascetic to protect the sacrifice. He had a gold chain

round his neck, a crest on his head and a bow in his hands ;

he had a pair of beautiful eyes, and only one piece of cloth ;

his countenance was of green hue and exquisite beauty and

even then mustaches or other signs of manhood did not

appear on his face. Beautifying the entire forest of Dandaka

with his own splendour Rima appeared like the newly

risen moon. Thereupon I resembling a cloud and having

golden ear locks entered the asylum being proud of my

power on account of the boons offered unto me by BrahmSl.

Seeing me enter he took up his dart and attached string

unto his bow with proper care. Being under the influence

of sheer foolishness I passed by him as a child and darted

towards the sacrificial altar of Viswamitra. Thereupon he

wounded me with a sharpened sword capable of doing away

with the enemies and threw me away into the ocean situated

at a distance of hundred yojanas. He had no mind of

killing me then and for this he saved my life. I was

thrown however into the deep ocean being hindered by the

velocity of his arrows and having lost my conscious-

594

RlMlYANA.

ness. Regaininpf my sense after a long while I returnedi
the city of Lanka. Myself saved thus, my followers hoi
were all killed by Rama of unwearied activity though a
child and a novice in the art of warfare. It is for this
I do prevent thee ; thou shall be overwhelmed with cal
and meet with destruction if dost thou engage thysdii^
battle with him. In vain shalt thou bring about the
of the mirthful and sportive RSLkshasas ever witi
social festivities. And in vain shalt thou for Sitft com
the destruction of the city of Lanka, adorned with dr
jewels and filled with golden edifices. Pious men liiii
with a vicious man, meet with destruction for his sins, tl
they themselves do not commit any misdeed, like unto I
(devoured by Garura) living in a lake where snakes d«il|
Thus shalt thou witness that for thy own folly the
of the night, adorned with celestial ornaments and bsnfl
their body pasted with sandal, have been killed and bnM|h
down to the earth. And they deprived of shelter hm\
fled away to different directions, some with their wives ail
some alone, having their wives carried away (by the enemici^i
Thou shalt further observe that all edifices of Lank& bd^
enveloped with arrows and flaming fire have been \m^
down to ashes. There is no greater sin on earth thi
carrying away another's wife. There are thousand ladieiii
thy seraglio O king. Being attached unto thy wives 4
thou preserve the rpce of the RSikshasas, thy own line, tif
wished for life, kingdom, wealth and dignity. Do srt
bring about R9Lma*s mischief if dost thou wish to live happiif
with thy wives and friends. 1 am thy friend and do ask
thee again and again to desist (from thy evil intentioa];
if dost thou encroach upon SitSL surely shalt thou alon^ wiA
thy kinsmen go to the abode of Yama being enfeebled by tfct
arrows of Rama.'*

iRANVAKlNDAM. 595

SECTION XXXIX.

»w^*

WAS however somehow saved by Rama in that con-
flict. Listen what happened afterwards. I was not humbled
?^ven by the danger of my life. Once again I entered the
^forest of Dandaka accompanied by two RSikshasas assuming
the shape of deer. I had a flaming tongue, huge teeth,
sharpened horns and lived on the flesh of ascetics. Assum-
ing such a terrible appearance I began to traverse with
•great vehemence the Tirtha^ Agnihoiri and the place of
worship ; eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the
ascetics after killing them I began to hinder all religious ser-
vices. I had a most ugly figure and was maddened with
drinking blood, and all the animals of the forest were
exceedingly frightened at me. White I was thus traversing
the forest of Dandaka throwing obstacles in the way of
religious services I saw the pious ascetic R^ma living on
a restricted fare, the honored Sita and the mighty Lakshmana,
taking recourse to asceticism, moderate in eating and ever
engaged in the welfare of created beings. Remembering his
former enmity and aggrandisement, I, being extremely wrath-
ful, in my deer shape and with my sharpened horns, darted
towards him with a view to kill him, considering through
my ignorance the effulgent R^ma as. none other but an
ascetic living in the forest. Then stringing his huge bow he
darted three sharpened arrows at me. Those three terrible
arrows with bent knots resembling thunder-bolts, killing
enemies and drinking blood and having the motion of Garura
and air, coalescing with each other came before us. Wicked
as I am, I was fully aware of his prowess having been fright-
end by him on a former occasion, and so I saved myself by
escaping, but those two Rakshasas were killed. O Rivana,
any how saved from the arrows of RSLma and having got
my life back I have resorted to the life of an ascetic and.

5Q6 /dlMlYANA.

have been carrying on asceticism here being absorbed:
Yoga,

From that very day I see R§ma wearing bark and dee
skin even in the very trees before me like unto Death wi:
the noose in his hands. Terrified as I am I always «
thousands of RSLma around me. Me seems the entire forest i
inhabited by R§ma only. O king of RSlkshasas, I see Ria
even in the quarter where there is no RSma. Seeii
him in my dreams even I look around like one awike

0 RSlvana what more shall I speak unto thee, I ai
so much afraid of Rama that such words as Raima (jewd
Ratha (chariot) which begin with the letter Ra administi
consternation unto me. I am fully apprised . of the provre
of that descendant of Raghu; it doth not behove thee t
enter into conflict with him ; he can destroy V&Ii an
Namuchi. O Rilvana, whether dost thou fight with Rimac
not, do not mention him unto me if dost thou wish to se
me. Many persons pious and devoted to asceticism on tlr
earth have met with destruction for another's misdeeds. An

1 shall meet with a similar fate for thy sins. O thou the nui{<
of night do whatever thou likest, I shall not follow the
Truely is that highly intelligent and effulgent Rlma of migb
prowess, like death itself unto the rangers of night. Thoii|
the wicked Khara of Janasth3na hath been slain by him <
SurpanakhSl*s account, yet how is he to blame for it do th(
truly speak. Thou art my friend ; it is for this and for tl
welfare that I speak this truth unto thee. If dost thou n
follow my words, thyself with all thy kinsmen, shall be sla
in battle by RSima.

iRANVAKlNDAM. 597

s SECTION XL.

A3 a person desirous of meeting with his end doth not
ftke medicine, RSvana, the king of night-rangers paid
10 heed to the appropriate and <^ound words of MSLricha
killed in speech, foreboding good unto him. Moreover he
iddressed him with the following harsh words. ''O, M^richa,
rhat thou hast spoken unto me, shall bear no fruit like unto
«eds sown into a desert-land. I shall not be frightened
hereby to fight with that foolish R3ma — a human being
►f vicious deeds. Surely shall I before thee take away from
bat RSLma the destroyer of Khara,his favourite wife, at whose
irords he has sojourned into woods renouncing his father
nother, kingdom and friends. I have made this firm
esolution in my mind O, MSLricha ; even Indra, with the
^estials and Ashuras shall not be able to shake it. It would
lave been proper for thee to give vent to tl.ese expressions
lad I but asked thee for advice to ascertain my duty, the
>ropriety or impropriety of my action,its way or losses. A wise
:ounsellor who wishes prosperity unto himself should always
:ommunicate unto his master his desire with joined hands
v^henever asked to do so. It is always proper to speak before
nonarchs such pleasant and favourable words as are intended
For the welfare of the master and are sanctioned by the royal
etiquette. A respectable king doth not receive with good
grace friendly words even when they are expressed disres-
pectfully. Sovereigns of superb prowess assume the semblance
of five deities — Agni, Indra, Moon^ Yama, and Varuna.
Powerful kings, O Ranger of the night, assume haughtiness,
power, a placid look and contentment and administer
punishment unto the wicked. They are to be adored and
honored therefore on all occasions. Thou art ignorant of
kingly morality and ^ fully absorbed; in illusion. It is for
this that thou dost out of thy wickedness of heart address

me thy ^uest with these harsh words. ! do not ask the
O, Rakshasi about the propriety (of my condo;
or about my welfare. 1 did only ask thee (or li
help. Listen what thou shalt have to do at my reqw
in my aid ; assuming the shape of a deer having golden st
painted with silvery drops do thou proceed to the asyk
of R5ma, and ranging at large before Vaidehi do thou afc
captivating her take thy wished-for way. Vaidehi, b«t
struck with wonder seeing thee a golden deer capable i
illusions, shall request R§ma to get thee soon for k
Kakuthslha issuing out of the asylum, thou shalt, ai
great distance utter such cries as ''O Sit5, O Lakshmau
imitating his (Rama's) voice. Hearing those cries Lakshnu:
also, at the behest of Sit5, shall proceed to RSma. SVfct
both Rama and Lakshmana shall go elsewhere in thb wa'
I shall to my felicity c^rry away Vaidehi like unto ri
thousand-eyed deity carrying away Sachi. O Rlkkshasa,^
thou go wherever thou likest after doing this. I shall coDf<
on thee, O MSricha, half of my kingdom. O thou of ausp
cious look, do thou proceed towards the forest of Dandak
to compass this end of mine; I shall follow thee ia s
chariot. Acquiring Sita without any conflict, after imposic
upon Rama I shall return to LankS successful along with the
I shall kill thee, O MSiricha, if dost thou not obey my bebe
I shall compell thee to do this. No body can attain to pro
perity and happiness, acting against his sovereign's wi
Truly shalt thou risk thy life if thou approachest RSma,b
thou shalt meet with sure destruction if dost thou act agaii
my will . Consider about it, and do what thou thinkest prop<

IRANVAKANDAM. 599

SECTION XLK

EING thus commanded by Ravana like a king to act
against his will Miricha fearlessly addressed the lord of the
Rakshasas with the following bold words, **What person of
impious deeds hath advised thee O ranger of the night thus
inorder to exterminate thee with thy kingdom, counsellors
aind children ? Who of a vicious heart, O King, doth not feel
bimself happy at thy welfare ? Who hath pointed out unto
thee the way of thy death under the cover of thy means ? O
Ranger of night surely do thy weak enemies wish to bring
about thy destruction by making thee enter into a conflict with
Si powerful man. What little-minded man of evil intent hath
counselled thee thus ? O Ranger of night, really do they
desire that thou dost bring destruction upon thyself by thy
own actions. Thou dost not exterminate thy counsellors
O R§vana, albeit they are worthy of being destroyed. For
they do not prevent thee entirely from thy evil course. Wise
counsellors do always restrain a king who wends a vicious
track being guided by his impulses and passions ; but about
thee they are quite unmindful, though thou shouldst by every
means be brought under restraint. O thou the best of
conquerors, O thou the ranger of night, ministers by the
grace of their sovereign attain virtue, wealth, desires and
fame. But those objects are never attained O RSvana when
they are not in good odour with their sovereign ; moreover the
subjects meet with dangers when he is devoid of all qualities.
O thou the best of conquerors, the king is the root of virtue
and fame unto the subjects ; he should therefore be always
protected by them. O ranger of night, proud kings of cruel
temperament, acting against the subjects can never adminis-
ter their kingdoms. So do the ministers of cruel counsel
meet with their end like unto a chariot driven into a wild track
by an unskilled charioteer. Many a pious person, on this

^oo RlMlYANA.

earth, ever engaged in the performaince of religious services,
have, for the folly of other persons, met with destruction
along with their relatives. Verily the subjects, O R3,vana,
can never expect to prosper under the regime of hot-natured
sovereigns acting against their subjects like unto deer under
the protection of a jackal. All the R&kshasas shall surely
die, O R&vana whose lord art thou, foolish, cruel and under
the control of thy passions. I shall not be the least sorry
if I do meet with a sudden accident ^what I do deplore most
is that thou shalt meet in no time with destruction along
with thy soldiery. Compassing my end RSlma shall enterminate
thee in no time — and blessed I shall be being killed by an
enemy in the conflict. Surely dost thou know that no sooner
shall I see R&ma I shall be done away with ; thou shalt carrying
away SitSl meet with thy end along with thy kinsmen.
And if dost thou bring Sit& with me from the asylum,
none shall be saved,-— me, thyself, the city of Lank2l and the
RSlkshasas. Thou dost not relish my words O ranger of the
night though prevented by me, who wishes thee welfare ;
those men who range on the verge of death, well-nigh finishing
the term of their existence do not receive with good grace
the counsels of friends.

SECTION XLII.

OpeaKING these harsh words unto R&vana, MSLricha being
afraid of him said, **We shall both go. Surely shall I be
deprived of my life by him (RSima) taking up his scimitar
and having a bow and arrows in his hands^ if I go before
him again. Meeting with his prowess thou shalt never return
with thy life ; he is like the noose of Death unto thee though
thou hadst baffled its power. Thou art vicious-souled^what can
I do for thee ? Be thou crowned with success O ranger of the

ARANFAKANDAM, 6oi

Height, I shall go." The Lord of Rakshasas being pleased
^ith Maricha*s words embraced him warmly and said, ''This
{is worthy of thy heroism that thou hast addressed thyself to
^ct after my desire. Thou wert another Rakshasa before
lUid hast now become true Maricha. Do thou now with me
^cend this chariot coursing in the air, crested with jewels
^nd driven by asses having faces of a demon. Enchanting
V«Lidehi thou shalt wend thy way and away shall I carry the
daughter of the king of MithilS by force (when there shall
be neither RSima nor Lakshmana by her.)*' Thereupon
7§rakcL's son assented to Ravana's words, and both of them
ascending the chariot like unto, a heavenly car set out for
the hermitage. And beholding diverse towns, forests,
mountains^ rivers, kingdoms and cities they reached the forest
of Dandaka and the asylum of Rama. And descending now
from the golden car the lord of Rikshasas together with
M SLricha beheld Rama's asylum. Taking him (MSlricha) by
the hand Ravlna spake saying ''There stands the asylum of
R§ma surrounded by palm trees. Do thou do that for which
we have come here." Hearing the words of Rivana, the
Rakshasa MSiricha assuming the wonderful shape of a
(golden) deer began to range at large before RSLma's hermit-
age. The points of its horns were like unto (two) excellent
jewels, its countenance was diversified with white and black
colour, its face was like a red lotus, its ears were like unto
two blue lotuses, its neck was little raised, its belly was like
a saphire, its sides were like unto Madhuka flowers, its
color was like that of a filament of a lotus, its hoops were like
unto Baidurjas (a gem of a dark color) ; of lean thighs j
of firm joints ; its tail having the diversified color of a
rainbow was upraised. It was of a pleasant and cool hue
and crested with various jewels.

And in no time the Rakshasa assumed the shape of a
beautiful deer. To tempt Vaidehi that ranger of the night,
assuming a beautiful countenance painted with diverse

6o2 JilMAyANA.

metalsi illumining the beautiful forest and R§ma's asylum
with its beauty, and ranging at large on the green field and
living on grass, began to proceed. Tliat one of lively
presence having its body painted with hundreds of silver
drops and living on twigs of trees began to range in the
forest. Sometimes walking inta the plantain house, some-
times walking around the forest of Karniid, sometimes
coming within the compass of SitSi's vision, that best of
deer having its back painted with gold began to range
slowly around the hermitage. It began to walk at pleasure
near Rama's asylum. Sometimes going, sometimes stop-
ping, at one time running very swiftly and receding the next
moment, that best of deer began to range at large. Some-
times playing around, sometimes lying on earth and some-
times following the deer-herd having come within the
threshhold of the asylum and then followed again by them
that RiLkshasa assuming the form of a deer came back
to see Sita. He then began to range at large in the
beautiful forest (extending far and wide). Seeing him other
forest-deer came (by him) and smelling him fled away into
different quarters. That Rakshasa, though expert in killing
deer, did not eat them up, though touching, inorder to hide
his real self. In the meantime Vaidehi, of auspicious looks
whose eyes inebriate like wine, being engaged in plucking
flowers, was going sometimes to the Karnika grove and
sometimes to the mangoe grove. That best of women, ever
inured to living in the forest and possessed of a graceful
countenance, walking and plucking flowers, saw that
jewelled deer, having its body deversified with pearls and
diamonds. It had beautiful teeth and lips and had its down
resembling silver. She began to behold with affection and
with her eyes expanded with surprise. That illusive deer
seeing R&ma's wife began to move around as if lighting up
that forest (with the fire of its beauty). Beholding that deer
ornamented with diverse jewels, and the like of which she

iRANVAKlNDAM. 603

^tiad never seen before, the daughter of Janaka was struck
With immense wonder.

SECTION XLIII.

JlSeholding that deer with its sides painted with gold
d silver, while collecting flowers, Sita, having blameless
limbs and beautiful hips and having the color of her
body like that of pure gold became immensely pleased
^nd called aloud her husband and Lakshmana with scimitars
in their hands. ''Do thou come soon, do thou come s6on, O
son of the worshipful Sire, along with thy younger brother"
——having called (her husband) again and again in this strain
she continued beholding that deer. Being thus called by
the daughter of the king of Videha those two best of men
RSma and Lakshmana, casting their looks around beheld that
deer. Seeing him Lakshmana, struck with fear, said ''Me-
thinks, this deer is the RSLkshasa MSlricha. This vicious
M^richa, O R&ma, assuming the shape of a deer oftentimes
kills at pleasure the kings who come here a-hunting. He
is cognizant of illusions, by virtue of which he has assumed
this shape, O best of men ; its countenance is perfectly fine
like the abode of Gandharbas and resplendent like the Sun ;
there is no such jewelled deer on earth. O RSighava, O Lord
of earth, there is no doubt that this is nothing but illusion.''
When Lakshmana spake thus Sita with a pure smile being
under the influence of enchantment contradicted him, and
being pleased said "O son of the worshipful Sire, this deer
hath attracted my mind, get it for me, pray, O thou of mighty
arms ; it shall be an object of sport for us. Many a beauti-
ful deer range at large in the vicinity of our hermitage such
as Chamaray Srimaray Rik, Prtshata, Bdnara, and Kinnara,
They are all very beautiful and of mighty strength ; but O

604 J^AmIYANA,

Prince, I have never seen before the like of this deer. In
energy, strength and beauty it stands above all deer. Its
entire body is diversified with various colors, nay, it is a jewel
itself. It moves before me, beautifying the forest with
its resplendance, like unto Moon himself. Ah ! what beauty,
what beautiful a lustre, how musical a voice, this wonder-
ful deer of variegated countenance, hath indeed cap-
tivated my heart! If canst thou get by this deer alive, O
what wonder, what surprise ! When shall we regain our
kingdom after the expiry of the term of our banishment, this
deer shall beautify the interior of our palace. O Lord, truly
shall this celestial deer create surprise in Bharata,
yourself, me and my mothers-in-law. O best of men, if canst
thou not get hold of it alive its skin shall also look very
beautiful (to us). Spreading on Ku9a the skin of this golden
deer when killed do I wish to invoke the Almighty. It looks
(no doubt) unseemly and terrible and smacks of wilfulness
on the part of a wife to command her husband in this way,
but I am sunk in surprise seeing the countenance of the
deer." RSma's heart was struck with surprise behold-
ing that wonderful deer having its down resembling
gold, horns resembling exquisitely fine diamonds, color
like that of the newly risen Sun, and resplendance like
that of the orbit of the planets. Being enchanted by
its beauty and spurred on by SitS's words, Raghava
pleased, spake unto his younger brother saying "Behold, O
Lakshmana, it has immensely excited Vaidehi's desire. On
account of its exquisite beauty it shall loose its life to-day.
!t has its equal no where on the earth — neither in the
celestial garden nor in the Chaittraratha forest. The hairs of
its body being arranged in regular and contrary courses and
being painted with golden drops do indeed look very beauti-
ful. Do thou see, while expanding its mouth, its tongue
comes out resembling flaming fire like unto a thunder-bolt
reaving the mass of clouds. Its face is like a glass made of

ARANFAKANDAM. 605

1. best blue saphire, its belly ressmbling a conch and pearl,
and it is very difficult to ascertain its shapes. Beholding it
who IS there (on earth) whose heart is not enamoured ? Its
beauty resembles the rays of gold and is variegated with
diverse hues of jewels. Whose heart is not enveloped with
surprise beholding such a celestial beauty, O Lakshmana ?
Princes, with bows in their hands, while-a hunting in
a deep forest destroy deer either for flesh or for sport.
Moreover while engaged in sporting they collect many
a jewel and various metals as gold and silver, in the
woods. There is not the least doubt that these wild riches
filling up their cofiers are comparatively far better (than
the wealth acquired by other sources) like unto the objects
of enjoyment, enjoyed at their fancy by the people inhabiting
the celestial region. The object which persons desirous of
acquiring wealth follow without any discretion in their
actions, is the true definition of wealth given by the political
economists. Vaidehi of slender waist desireth to sit with me
on the exquisitely fine golden skin of this gem of a deer, mc-
seems no deer skin is so comfortable to touch as this — neither
the skin of Kddali, Priaki^ Prabent nor of Abikt. Truly
handsome in this deer and the one that rangeth in the
welkin, indeed these two deer only are celestial — ^the one that
rangeth in the sky* (MrigashirS) and this that rangeth on
earth. And if it be a Rakshasa's illusion as thou sayest, O
Lakshmana, then it must be killed by me. This cruel
vicious-souled M§richa made away with many eminent
ascetics, while traveling in the forest ; and this R^kshasa
assuming the shape of an illusive deer destroyed many kings
— mighty archers while a-hunting in this forest ; it is for this
that this deer must be killed. Formerly this Bdtapi\ entering
into the womb of twice-born ones used to come out reaving

♦ This refers to Mrigashira, the fifth lunar constellation which resembles
a deer. — T.

t The name of an Asur devoured by Agastya. — T.

6o6 RlMlYANA.

them like unto the embryo of a mule. Once on a tii
this Batapi approached the eminent saint Agastya at
was devoured by him. After the Sradha ceremony k
been over^ finding that B&tapi desirious of assunri
the shape of a R^kshasa the great saint Agastya s
smiling ''Being blindeil with thy prowess O Bfttapi, tb
hast destroyed many eminent twice-born ones on this eai
and for this that I do digest thee. Truly that Rlksha
O, Lakshmana, who wisheth to surpass one like me who k
controlled his senses and is ever engaged in pious oib
shall meet with his end like unto this B^tSLpi. Thereff
this Maricha approaching me shall be killed by me like ut
Batapi being devoured by Agastya. Do thou theref(
vigilently protect Vaidehi with mail and armours on. It is<
prime duty, O descendant of Raghu, to protect JSLnaki. I sb
either kill this deer or shall get hold of it. Look,
Lakshmana, Vaidehi is extremely anxious to get the skin
this deer I shall therefore proceed at once, O son of Sumit
to catch this deer. The skin of this deer is the best of
kind ; for certain shall it loose its life today. As long as I
not kill this deer, O Lakshmana, do thou with Silfl rem;
with vigilance in this asylum. I shall in no time come bs
with its skin after killing it with one arrow. Do thou s
here, O Lakshmana, with jSinaki in constant fear and vi
lance, along with the mighty Yatayu, intelligent and e
engaged in pious offices.

SECTION XLIV.

H AVING thus directed his brother, the highly energc
son of Raghu equipped himself with his gold-hilted scimit
And girting himself with his bow bent at three places^ wh
served him as an ornament, — as well as a couple of quivc

JlRANYAKXNDAM. 607

i^at one o( fierce energy sallied out. Seeing that foremost
^ monarchs approach, that best of beasts from fear
disappeared; and then again showed himself. Thereat
irt with the bow and sword, (Rama) rushed where the deer
yas : and beheld him illumining all before him with his
.leauty,-— and bow in hand (R§ma beheld) him in that vast
orest, darting away after gazing at him, — and sometimes
seeming to have got beyond arrow range, and at others
tempting Rima (by his vicinity). And sometimes influenced
>y fear and bewildered, (the deer) seemed to course the
Arelkin; and in the forest now he became visible and
aoMT vanished from sight. And like the autumnal lunar disc
enveloped by indented clouds, he momentarily showed
himself, and anon discovered himself at a distance. And
M&richa wearing the shape of a deer, showing himself and
disappearing from sight, drew RSLghava a long way from
the hermitage. Thereat Rama, eagerly anxious to secure
the deer, being foiled by the deer, and in consequence
Rowing enraged, wearied out, rested under a shadow, on a
sward. And that ranger of the night, wearing the form of
a deer, maddening R&ma, discovered himself (again) at a
distance surrounded by (other) deer. And Rama desirous
of taking (the beast), seeing him again, set off at speed. At
the very moment the deer disappeared from fear > and again
showed himself at a distance behind a tree. And seeing him,
the exceedingly energetic and strong Raghava, determined
to slay him, growing wroth, taking out a flaming shaft,
resembling the rays of the sun, powerfully drew his bow, and
firmly setting the shaft, and aiming it at the deer, let go
the blazing and burning weapon forged by Brahma, resem-
bling a flaming serpent. And that best of arrows, like unto
a thundgrbolt, deeply pierced the breast of MSlricha, wearing
the shape of a deer. Thereat bounding up high as a palmyra
palm, that one whose saws had almost run out, uttered
terrible sounds, lying on the earth. And while on the point

I6o8 RAmAYANA.

of death, Maricha renounced his counterfeit shape. And
remembering the words of Rivana, the RSkshasa reflected,
*'By what means can Sita send away Lakshmana, and RSLvana
carry off Sita staying in solitude ?" And pierced to the
marrow by that peerless shaft, Maricha, renouncing his deer
form, resumed his Rakshasa lineaments ; and giving up his
life attaining a huge person, considering the time had come
(for availing himself of the advice tendered by RSvana),
began to cry with the voice of RSLghava, *'Ah Sita ! Ah
Lakshmana!'' And seeing that grim-visaged Rakshasa
lying low on the ground, with his person bathed in blood,
and rolling hither and thither, Rlma proceeded towards the
asylum, thinking of SitSl and revolving within himself
Lakshmana's words. While returning he thought aside

^'Lakshmana said before that this was Miricha's illusion )"

•

His words have been verified now. Truly have I killed
Maricha. Miricha has given up his ghost exclaiming aloud
Ah I Sita, Ah ! Lakshmana. I do not know what shall Sita
do hearing the cry? And what shall the mighty-armed
Lakshmana do ?" While pondering thus the hairs of the
virtuous-souled R§ma stood on their end. Killing that
Rakshasa assuming the shape of a deer and hearing his terri-
ble cry Rlma was overwhelmed with fear arising out of
sorrow. Thereupon killing a deer and taking its flesh he
hastened towards Janasth&na.

SECTION XLV.

XjL EARING that cry in the forest resembling her husband's
voice Sita spake unto Lakshmana saying "Do thou go and
learn what has befallen Raghava. He is crying aloud in
pitiable accents ; hearing them my life and soul are incapable
of remaining any longer in their proper places. It behoveth

I NA NFA KX NDA M, 609 '

-lliee to save thy brother who is crying aloud in the forest ;
^o thou immediately repair hence to save him, who is in
^'^eed of thy help. He hath been over-powered by the
=<lakshasas like unto a bullock brought under the power of a
Kjion/' Remembering the behest of Rama, Lakshmana did
^ot go, though accosted thus by Sita. Extremely mortified,
2the daughter of Janaka spake unto him saying "O Son of
:;Sumitra, thou art an enemy unto Rama, in the garb of a
ibrother. Thou dost not proceed for the relief of thy brother
:who hath been reduced to such a plight. Dost thou desire, for
fine, O Lakshmana, Rama's destruction ? Truely being under
rthe influence of lust for me thou dost not follow Raghava !
: For this thou dost welcome Rama's disaster ; thou hast no
affection for him. For this it is that thou dost sit here
without anxiety not seeing the highly effulgent (R5ma).
Rama, following whom thou hast repaired unto this forest,
: being in danger, of what avail is life unto me?" Vaidehi
speaking thus being influenced by sorrow, and with tears in
her eyes, like unto a deer, Lakshmana spake unto her say-
ing "O Vaidehi, celestials, Danavas, Gandharbas, Rakshasas,
Asuras, or Pannagas, there is none who can defeat thy
husband. There is not the least doubt in this. Worshipful
madam ! Celestials, Danavas, Gandharbas, Rakshasas,
Pi^achas, men, Kinnaras, animals, or birds, there is none
among them, who can withstand Raghava, who equals the
lord of celestials in warfare. In fact there is none who can
do away with Rama in battle. It doth not behove thee
therefore to accost me thus. Nor do I dare leave thee here
alone in this forest without Rama. Even the mighty heroes,
as the Lord of celestials, cannot subdue his prowess with all
their strength. Even the Almighty Himself, with the
celestials and the three w^orlds, cannot defeat htm. Do thou .
therefore renounce grief and console theyself. Sooner shall
thy husband return killing the best of deer. It is not his
voice nor one sent by any deity. It is but an illusion of that

6 10 jRAmAyAXA.

Rakshasa (Maricha). O Vaidehi, thou hast been left unto my
charge by the high-souled (Rama) — I therefore do not dare
leave thee behind, O thou the jewel of a damsel. We have
made these night-rangers our enemies. For compassing
the destruction of Khara, O >Yorshipful one, and devastating
Janasthana, Rakshasas oftentimes use improper words
unto us in this extensive forest. O Vaidehi, to create mis-
chief unto the pious is the only amusement of these
Rakshasas — thou shoudst not therefore be anxious for this.*'
Being thus addressed by him her eyes were reddened with
ire, and she spake these harsh words unto the truthful
Lakshmana saying "O cruel one ! O thou the destroyer of thy
line ! it is a disgrace unto thee that thou wishest to protect
me (killing RSlma). Methinks, this mighty disaster of R^nia
is welcome unto thee, or else why shouldst thou seeing this,
speak thus, O Lakshmana. It is not a wonder that an evil
desire lurks in thee who art a hypocrite and a cruel-hearted
enemy. Verily art thou a monster of wickedness, that
Rama repairing unto woods, thou hast^ being lustful for me,
followed him alone. Or hast thou been engaged by Bharata
to act thus ? But thy or Bharata's intention shall not be
satisfied, O Saumitre. How shall I desire another man after
serving the lotus-eyed Rama of dark blue hue as my husband ?
I shall renounce my life before thee, therefore, O Lakshmana ;
without Rama I shall not maintain my being for a moment
on this earth." Hearinq^ these brazen words of SitS,
capable of making one's down stand on end, the self-con-
trolled Lakshmana with joined hands spake unto her saying
*'Thou art a very Goddess unto me, I therefore dare not
answer thee. What thou hast spoken, O Maithelee, is nothing
surprising for females. Such is the nature of womankind
on this earth. Women by nature arc crooked, fickle, devoid
cf relicyious knowlcdGr\ nnd briiiir about diflerence between
father and sc. . O \'aMchi, O daugthcr of Janaka, truly am I
incapable of putting up wiili tiiesc words of thine. They have

ARANFAKXNDAM. 6ii

pierced through both of my ears like a heated Ndrdcha. How-
ever the deities ranging in this woodland are my witnesses —
may they hear thee. I spoke what was fair and have been
thus addressed by thee with these harsh words. I do alawys
obey my superior's commands. Fie on thee ! Thy des-
truction is near at hand that dost thou suspect me, being
influenced by this womanish nature. I shall go where
Kakuthstha is, may good betide thee, O thou the best of
damsels ! May the deities of the forest protect thee, O thou
of expansive eyes ! Many a bad omen appear before me.
May I see thee again when I shall come back with Rama.*'
Being thus accosted by Lakshmana the daughter of Janaka
replied weeping and being bathed in tears. ''Without Rama,
O Lakshmana, I shall drink virulent poison, enter fire or dive
into the Godaveri. I shall destroy this body either by
hanging or by falling down from the top of a high object. I
shall never be able to touch another man but Rama.'* Speak-
ing thus unto Lakshmana, Sita, being enveloped with grief,
weeping, struck her belly"*^ with her hands. Seeing the
daughter of Janaka of expansive eyes weep thus in pitiable
accents^ Lakshmana losing his attention began to console
her. Afterwards the pure-hearted Lakshmana, having control
over his senses, saluting Sita with clasped palms and bend-
ing low a little proceeded where Rama was, casting again and
again his glance upon her as he went.

• Properly it should be "struck her breast." But it has a special signi-
ficance here, i. e. — she would not be satisfied until her belly be filled with all
the R4kshasas slain. — T.

6i2 RhVlYANA,

SECTION XLVI.

»^*'

AVING been addressed with those harsh words the
younger brother of RSghava, enraged, proceeded at once,
being anxious to see Rama. Thereupon the ten-necked one,
availing of this opportunity came before Vaidehi assuming
the semblance of a mendicant. Wearing a soft silken cloth,
with a lock of hair on his head wuth an umbrella and shoes
and having on his left shoulder a rod and Kamandalu^ the
highly powerful one assuming the appearance of a wandering
devotee carrying thiee long bamboo staves appeared before
Vaidehi in the forest when there was none of the brothers by
her. He saw there the young and pious daughter of the king
like unto an evening void of both sun and moon and as
the highly terrible Rahu eyes Rohini forsaken by Mood.
Seeing that terrible one the doer of evil deeds, the trees of
Janasthana did not move nor the wind did blow. Seeing
him eye Sit5 with his blood-red eyes, the fast streaming
river Godaveri even slackened its course out of fear. In the
mean time the Ten-necked Rivana, enquiring about RSma's
weak points appeared before Vaidehi in the guise of a
mendicant. Like unto Sani approaching chttra^ that impious
one, assuming the appearance of a pious man like a well
covered with grass, approached Vaidehi who was bewailing
her husband. And seeing that pious spouse'of Rama — Vaidehi,
Ravana stood before her. Her lips and teeth were extre-
mely fine, her face resembled the full moon and her eyes
were like lotus-petals. She had a yellow silken cloth on
and sat in the thatched cottage, overwhelmed with grief and
bathed in tears. And that ranger of the night with a pleased
heart approached Vaidehi. Seeing her that Lord of RSikshasas
was pierced with the shafts of passion. And speaking highly
of her, surpassing in beauty the three worlds and resembling
by the excellence of her own person the very goddess

ARA NFA A' An da 31. 613

of wealth herself Ravana uttering the name of God spake
unto her saying, "O thou having the color of gold
and silver, O thou wearing silken cloth, O thou appearing
like a lotus wearing a garland of lotus-petals, O thou
of beautiful countenance ! Art thou Bashfulness, Beauty,
Fame, Wealth, Apsara, Dignity or Rati herself who is
ranging at will in this forest ? All thy teeth are equal having
their tops like unto the buds of Kunda flower, beautiful and
yellow. Thy eyes are expansive, clear, of bloody hue,
and having black pupils. Thy hip is fleshy and spacious.
Thy thighs are like those of elephants, round, fleshy and
perfectly strong. Thy nipples are bulky, pointed, highly
captivating like cold palm fruits, beautiful and ornamented
with diverse jewels. O thou of beautiful smile ! O thou of
beautiful teeth ! O thou of beautiful eyes ! O fine damsel, thou
dost carry away my heart like unto a river carrying away
its banks by its stream. The lock of thy hair is exquisitely
fine, thy breast very close and thy waist is so thin that they
may be got round even by fingers. There is none so beauti-
ful like thee — a Goddess, a Gandharbhi, a Yakshi or a
Kinnari. I had never seen before on this earth a damsel so
beautiful as thou. This thy beauty the best on earth, thy
youth, thy grace and thy abode in the forest do agitate my
mind. So it is well for thee to come (with me) ; it doth not
behove thee to remain here. This is the abode of terrible
Rakshasas wearing shapes at will. Picturesque palaces,
prosperous cities and sweet-smelling gardens are worthy of
thy abode. O thou of dark-blue eyes, fine is thy garland,
fine is the smell of thy person and fine is thy apparel — me-
thinks fine is thy husband too. O thou of pure smile !
whom dost thou belong to ? — Rudras, Marutas, or Vasus —
Meseems, O fine damsel thou art a very gooddes. No one
comes here — the Gandharbas, the celestials or Kinnarasj
this is an abode of the Rakshasas ; how dost thou come here ?
Art thou not afraid of these monkeys, lions, tigers, wolves,

6i4 RImAYANA.

bears, herons and hyenas ? Alone in this forest, art thou not
afraid of these terrible elephants of fierce motion and
maddened with the exuding of their temporal juice ? Who art
thou ? Whose wife ? What for dost thou range alone in this
forest of Dandaka frequented by terrible RSkshasas ?" Thus
addressed was Vaidchi by the vicious-souled Ravana. Seeing
him come under the guise of a twice-born one, Maithelee
worshipped him with diverse articles necessary for serving a
guest. Offering him a seat first and afterwards inviting him
to wash his feet she said unto that one of placid look ''cooked
rice is ready." Seeing Ravana approach with Kamandalu
and wearing a red cloth under the guise of a Brahmana,
Maithelee could not pass by him any way, and considering
him a twice-born one by various signs invited him as if a
Brahmana saying, '^O Brahmana, do thou sit on this seat facing
the right ; do thou take this water (to wash thy feet) ; do thou
enjoy these well-cooked eatables growing in the forest and
intended for thee." Janaki the wife of Lord of men inviting
him thus, Ravana, casting a look upon her, addressed himself
for his own destruction, to carry her away. She was anxious-
ly expecting the return of Rama who had gone a-hunting
with Lakshmana ; she looked around and beheld but on all
siSes the spacious yellow forest-land — there was neither
Rama nor Lakshmana.

AR a NFA KANDA M. 6 1 5

SECTION XLVII.

EING thus addressed by Ravana under the guise of a
mendicant, desirous of carrying her away Vaidehi thought
within herself — *'This person is my guest and a Bhahmin ; he
may curse me if I do not speak to him/' Thinking this
for a moment Sita said "May good betide thee ! I am the
daughter of the high-souled Janaka, the king of Mithila, the
beloved Queen of Rama and my name is Sita. Dwelling in
the palace of Ikshakus for twelve years, I enjoyed many
things passing human and had all my desires satisfied. On the
thirteenth year king (Da9aratha) counselled with his ministers
about the installation of Rama. Accordingly everything
necessary for the installation being made ready, Kaikeyi, one
of my mothers-in-law, begged of her husband a boon. Bring-
ing my father-in-law under control by means of her virtuous
deeds, Kaikeyi begged, of that truthful, best of monarchs,
two boons namely the exile of my husband into} woods and
the installation of Bharata, and said ''I shall never eat,
drink or sleep and (if RSma be iastalled) I shall end
my life." Kaikeyi .«5pcaking thus, that lord of earth,
my father-in-law begged her to accept diverse riches ; but
Kaikeyi did not agree. Then the highly effulgent Rama,
my husband was twenty-five years old, and myself was
eighteen years old counting from my birth. My husband is
known all over the world under the name of Rama. He is
truthful, good-natured, of pure character, ever engaged in
the welfare of all created beings, of mighty-arms and expan-
sive eyes. Our father the king Da^aratha was entirely
under the control of passions, and hence for the satisfaction
of Kaikeyi did not install Rama. When Rama came to his
father for being installed Kaikeyi spoke unto my husband tlie
following cruel words, ''Do thou hear, O Raghava, how I
have been ordered by thy Sire. This kingdom, rid of thorns

6i6 kXajXYANA.

is to be conferred on Bharata, and thou shalt have to sojourn
into woods for years nine and five. Do thou therefore
repair unto forest, O Kakuthstha and save thy Sire from
untruth." Whereto Rama fearlessly replied 'So be it !' Hear-
ing her words my husband of firm vows acted accordingly. He
always maketh gifts and taketh none. He always speaketh
truth and never telleth an untruth. This is his best observ-
ance, O Brahmana. His half-brother named Lakshmana is
of mighty prowess. That best of men is RiLma's help
and the destroyer of foes in battle. That brother of his
named Lakshmana is of firm resolution and given to
asceticism. With a bow in hand he hath followed (R«Lma)
flying as an exile unto woods along with me. Thus that
one (Rama) of firm resolution and ever engaged in pious
cfTices wearing matted hair and assuming the semblance of
an ascetic hath entered this forest of Dandaka along with
myself and his younger brother. O thou the best of twice-
born ones, we three being deprived of our kingdom by
Kaikeyi have been living in this dense forest by virtue of
our effulgence. Do thou take heart for a moment and live
here. Instantly shall my husband return with good many
wild fruits and roots and with sufficient meat after killing
many a deer, hog and Gosamp, Truly do thou relate unto
me thy name, Gotra and leneage. O thou twice-born one,
why dost thou range alone in this forest of Dandaka ?" Sita
the wife of Rama speaking thus, the mighty Lord of
RSLkshasas — Ravana replied with these harsh words — "0
Sita I am that Rlvana, the lord of RSkshasas, whom fear the
celestials, Asuras and human beings. O thou of blamless
beauty, seeing thee of golden hue and wearing silk cloth
I do not n lisli my own wives. I have brought many a
beautiful damsel from various quarters, do thou become roy
foremost Queen amongst them. That great city in the midst
of the oct\;n, Lanka, encircled on all sides by the sea and
situated on the summit of a hill, is my capital. There shalt

ARANTAKINDAM. 617

thou with me, O Siia, walk in gardens, and thus thou shall
no more long for living in the forest. If thou dost
become my wife, O Sita, five thousand maid-servants deco-
rated with divers ornaments shall serve thee." That
blameless daughter of Janaka, being thus addressed by
RSLvana, was highly enraged, and, passing by him, replied, **I
am a dependant o( Riima, who is incapable of being shaken,
like unto a mighty mountain, incapable of being agitated,
like unto a vast ocean, and resembling Mahendra in efful-
gence. I am a dependant of that great and truthful Rama
who is gifted with auspicious marks and like unto a fig
tree. I am dependant of that lion among men, Rama,
of mighty arms, of a spacious breast and treading like
a lion. I am a dependant of that son of a king, Rama, of
mighty arms, having control over his passions, whose, face
resembles the full moon and whose fame hath spread far and
wide over the earth. Why dost thou being a tiger wish for
a she-lion ? Thou shalt not be able to touch me like unto
the rays of the sun. O thou wretched Rakshasa, when thou
hast desired to steal away Raghava's beloved spouse, surely
dost thou see these trees ( before thee ) as made of gold.
Dost thou wish to uproot the teeth from the mouth of a lion,
that enemy of deer, or from that of a serpent? Dost thou
wish to clasp with thy hands the Mandara hill, or dost thou
wish to walk in peace after drinking poison ? Dost thou wish
to rub thy eyes with pins and lick a razor with thy tongue ?
Thou dost wish to swim across an ocean, having a rock
tied unto thy neck. Thou dost wish to get at the Sun and
Moon, to bind a flaming fire with a piece of cloth and walk
through iron-spikes, as thou hast wished to come by the
worthy spouse of RSlma. Mighty is the difference between
R§ma and thee, like unto that between a lion and a jackal,
a sea and a rivulet, nectar and gruel, gold and iron, sandal
and mud, an elephant and a cat, a crow and Garura, a peacock
and a madgie (an acquatic bird), or a duck and a vulture. Even

6i8 JiiMlYAJVA.

if thou dost steal me, that mighty archer RSlma, gifted with
the prowess of the lord of celestials, livingi surely shall I die,
like unto a gnat sucking clarified butten" Addressing those
words unto that wicked ranger of the nightj that innocent
(Sita) shook like a plantain tree shaken by the wind. There-
upon Ravana, like unto^Death in prowess, trembling, began
to relate unto her with a view to frighten ( her) his race,
power, name and actions.

SECTION XLVIII.

j^FTER Sit& had spoken these harsh words, Riirana,
enraged, with a frown^ replied "O thou of a beautiful counte-
nance, I am the step-brother of the Lord of wealth and my
name is the mighty Ten-necked RiLvana. May good betide
thee ! Like unto people fearing Death, the celestials,
Gandharbas, Pi^^chas, Pannagas and Serpents fly in
diverse directions being frightened by me. I have subdued
by my prowess, my step-brother, the Lord of wealth in a
conflict, quarrelling with him for some reason. Thereat, that
one carried by men, renouncing out of my fear this wealthy
abode of Ulnka, hath been living on that Lord of mountains,
Kaila^a. O thou auspicious one, by virtue of my prowess I
have taken away that beautiful chariot of his called Puspaka.
Ascending that chariot thou shalt travel by the etberial
route. O Maithilee, when I am excited with ire, Indra
and other celestials at the mere sight of my countenance fly
away in divers directions out of fear. Wherever I live,
the Wind bloweth cautiously and the Sun (of piercing rays)
out of fear for me appeareth in the welkin like the Moon.
What shall I say more ?Wherever I live, even the leaves of
the trees do not flutter and the currents of the rivers are
stopped. Beyond the ocean stands my beautiful capil

iRANFAKlNDAM. 619

LankSL like unto Indra's AmarSvati, (the capital of the Lord
of celestials), guarded on all sides by the terrible night-
rangers and encircled by yellow walls. That beautiful city
hath gate-ways of ornamented and jewelled arches and
golden apartments. It is filled with elephants, horses and
chariots, always resounds with the sounds of bugles, and is
beautified with gardens having divers trees of wishedfor
fruits. O Sita, O thou the daughter of a king, in this city
shalt thou dwell with me. O large-minded damsel, thou
shalt never think of earthly women. O thou of an exquisite
countenance, enjoying these many things passing human, thou
shalt not any more think of RSma — a human being of brief
existence. Placing his beloved son on the throne, king
Da^aratha hath sent away his eldest son of weak prowess
into the woods. O thou of expansive eyes, what shalt thou do
with that wretched ascetic Rama who hath been deprived of
his kingdom ? I am the lord of the whole world of R^kshasas ;
being pierced by the shafts of K^ma have I come by thee.
It doth not behove thee therefore to pass by me. O timid
damsel, truly shalt thou repent afterwards if thou dost
disregard me, like unto Uruashee kicking Purarava. Rama
is a human being and is not even equal to a finger of mine
in battle. By thy good luck have I come unto thee —
do thou give thyself up unto me, O thou of a beautiful
countenance." Being thus addressed by him, Vaidehi exceed-
ingly wroth and with blood-red eyes spoke unto that Lord of
Rlkshasas in the lonely forest, these bold words. ''How
dost thou wish to perpetrate such an impious deed after in-
troducing as thy brother that highly worshipful Kuvera
adored by all the deities. O Ravana, surely shall all the
RSLkshasas meet with death, who have such a stupid^ harsh
and lustful person like thee for their king. One can breathe
on this earth carrying away Indra's wife, Sachi — but stealing
me, the wife of RiLma, no body shall be able to live in peace.
O Rakshasa, it might be possible for one to live on this earth

620 A^AmAVANA.

treating contemptuously the wife of the holder of thunderbolt,
hut insultinor mc none shall escape the hands of Doatb even
if he driniuth nectar.

SECTION XLIX.

JLLliARlNG those words of SitS the highly powerful Ten-
necked one striking his hands togctlier, increased his
body too high. Thereupon, that one skillexl in speech again
spake unto Maithilce, ^'Mcthinks thou hast run mad. Hast
thou not heard of my valour and prowess ? Stationing myself
in the welkin I can with my hands raise up the earth. I
can drink up the waters of the ocean. And engaged in conflict
I can destroy Death itself. With my sharpened shafts
I can pierce the Sun and cut asunder the earth. Thou
art mad with thy beauty. Do thou look upon me, who am
capable of illusions.** When he had spoken thus, his yellow
eyes became blood-red with rage and assumed the, semblance
of flaming fire. Thereat R^vana, the younger brother of
the Lord of wealth, changing his placid countenance, instantly
assumed his own terrible shape resembling that of Yama.
Highly exercised with ire, that ranger of the night became
of ten countenances and twenty arms ; his eyes were
bloody and he appeared beautiful like unto blue clouds, being
dressed in gold-hued apparel. Leaving aside the semblance
of a mendicant, that lord of Rakshasas, RSLvana, increasing
in bulk, assumed his own shape. And wearing a blood-red
cloth he stood there fixing his look upon that jewel of a
damsel — Maithili. Thereupon Rivana spake unto Mathili
like unto the rays of the sun, having a head of black hair and
wearing apparel and ornaments, saying. *'0 thou fine
damsel, if thou doi>t wi^h to have a hu^band known all over

ARANFAKiNDAiV., 621

the world, do thou surrender thyself unto me. I am a
worthy husband (or thee. Do thou serve me for ever, thy
praiseworthy husband. O fine lady, I shall never do what
thou dost not like. Renouncing thy attachment for a man,
do thou place thy love in me. O foolish girl, worthy of
being adored by the learned, for what quality art thou
attached unto RSLma of a limited life, who hath been deprived
of his kingdom and hath his desire frustrated, and who of
an evil intent, hath, at the words of his wife, renouncing his
kingdom and kinsmen, been living in this forest — the abode
of voracious animals." Speaking thus unto Maithili, sweet-
speeched and worthy of being sweetly addressed, that
highly wicked Rakshasa, RSvana, being exercised with
lust, approached towards SitSL and got hold of her, like
unto Budha holding Rohini in the sky. With his left hand
he held her, having eyes like unto lotus-petals, by
the hair, and with his right hand got hold of her thighs.
Seeing Rlvana of sharpened teeth, and mighty arms,
rssembliog the summit of a mountain and like unto death
itself, the delies of the forest became highly terrified and fled
in different directions. Instantly appeared there the
celestial car of R3Lvana, decked in gold, drawn by asses and
making a terrible sound. Thereupon, that one emmiting
terrible accents, remonstrated with Vaidehi in harsh words
and clasping her ascended the car. The virtuous Sita, being
thus caught by Ravana,began to cry aloud, addressing Rama,
who had gone away to a distant forest. Ravana, racked
with lust, rose high up with her like unto the wife of a
Pannaga, though she tried her best (to get rid of him), for
she was not in the least attached unto him. Beinsf thus
carried away by the ethereal track by that Lord of Rakshasas,
Sita began to cry aloud, like one mad, distressed and of
deranged senses. "Ah! mighty Lakshmana, ever ministering
unto the satisfaction of thy superiors, dost thou not know
that I have been stolen away by a Rakshasa assuming

622 RJiMlYANA.

shapes at wilj ? O RSghava, for virtue hast thou renounced
thy life, happiness and wealth, — dost thou not see that I have
been carried away by one of mighty iniquity ? O thou the
subduer of foes,thou dost always control the rebellious, — Yi\c}
dost thou not punish such a vicious RSlkshasa ? The vicious
do not instantaneously meet with the fruits of their actions;
as for corn to ripen requires the assistance of time. For this
iniquitous deed, which thou hast perpetrated, availing of the
time and losing thy sense, thou shalt meet with a mighty
disaster from Rama, bringing about thy end. Ah ! being the
virtuous wife of the virtuous and far-famed Rftma, I have
been stolen away. Now hath the desire of Kaikcyi and other
relations been fulfilled. I invoke this JanasthSna and these
flowery KarnikSs to tell R5ma that R9vana hath stolen away
Sita. I invoke thee, O GodSvari, having swans and cranes
sporting in thy stream, to tell RSlma that RSvana hath stolen
away Sit^. I salute and invoke the deities that live in this
forest of many trees to tell my husband of my being stolen
a\Nay (by RavSna). I do seek the refuge of all deer, birds
and other animals that live in this forest, and may they all
communicate unto R^ma the news of his dear spouse
being carried away, and tell him that Sit«L, losing her control,
hath been stolen away by R§vana. Even if I am taken away
by Yama, and if the mighty-armed RSma is apprised of it,
surely shall he bring me back by the display of his prowess."
Racked with sorrow that one of expansive eyes, while thus
bewailing in piteous accents, she espied Yatftyu, the king of
vultures, seated on a tree. Thereat the daughter of Janaka,
brought under the control of Ravana and terrified, began to
cry and utter those piteous words — "O worshipful Yatftyu, do
thou see that this vicious lord of RSlkshasas hath ruthlessly
carried me away like one having no husband. Thou wilt
not be able to withstand this mighty, wicked and cruel
night-ranger wearing emblems of conquest and having a
scimitar in his ban 1 Do thou relate unto RiLma and to

iRANVAKlNDAM. 623

Lakshmana everything about my being carried away from the
beginning to the end.

SECTION L.

H EARING these words YatSlyu, who lay buried in a deep
slumber, awoke and beheld both R^vana and Janaki. There-
at the lord of birds resting on the tree, having a big
sharp beak like unto the summit of a hill, addressed these
soft words unto RSLvana, "O brother Ten-necked one, I am
conversant with Pur&nas, of truthful vows and abide by reli-
gion. It doth not behove thee to perpetrate such an iniquit-
ous deed before me. I am YSltayu, the mighty lord of vultures.
Da^aratha's son RSma is the lord of all men like unto
Mahendra and Varuna. He is ever engaged in the welfare
of all men. This exquisitely beautiful and far-famed Siti
whom thou art about to steal away, is the married wife of
that lord of men. And how dost thou thyself being a
monarch and engaged in the royal office of maintaining
subjects, carry away by stealth another's wife ? O thou of
mighty prowess, thou shouldst specially protect the wives of
kings. Do thou therefore control thy base inclination of
oppressing another's wife. A hero doth never perform what
bringeth calumny upon himself. It becometh every individual
to save another's wife from the touch of a second man like
unto his own wife. O son of Paulastya, at the instance of
the king mild subjects perform many an action conducing
to virtue, wealth and desire, though not mentioned in the
Sastras^ The king is the virtue, the king is the desire and
the king is the prime jewel of all subjects. Virtue, desire
or sin— every thing ariseth from the king. O thou the best of
R&kshasas, thou art vicious and unsteady ; how hast thou
come by ri«.hes like unto a sinner attaining to the abode of

C24 rImXyana.

celestials? A vicious person can never iclinquish liis sin-
ful habits — virtue doth never reside in the abodes of impious
persons.

Tlie miglity and the virtuous-souled Rima hath com-
mitted nothing wrong in thy city or thy dominions. Why
dost thou then commit wrong by him ? Khara of JanasthSlna
is highly wicked and if Rama of blameless actions hath
killed him on Surpanakha's account how is he to blame t
Wliy dost thou then carry away the wife of that lord of men ?
Do thou soon leave ofl Vaidehi. Like unto Indra burning
down Vitrasura, Rama, looking with his terrible^eyes like
flaming fire, shall reduce thee to ashes. Dost thou not
understand that thou hast tied with cloth a virulent serpent ?
Dost thou not see that thou hast placed around thy neck the
noose of death ? It is always proper to carry such a weight
as doth not exhaust (him who carries) ; it is always proper
to take such a food as doth not cause illness. Who
engageth himself in such an action as doth not confer virtue,
fame or glory, but bringeth about physical affliction only ?
O Ravana, I am sixty thousand years old and have been
administering regularly my ancestral kingdom. Old though 1
am, thou shalt not be able to carry away with safety Janaki in
my presence, young, accoutered in mails as thou art with
bow and arrows in thy hands and ascending a car. As it is
not easy to destroy, by the reasonings of Logic, Vedas and
Sruties containing eternal and immutable truths, so thou shalt
not be able to carry away Vaidehi by force before me. If thou
art a hero do thou fight. Or do thou wait for a moment,
O Ravana, thou shalt also embrace the earth like unto
Khara. Soon shall Rama clad in bark destroy thee in the
battle field, who hadst many a time and oft destroyed in
conflict the celestials and Danavas. Tlicse two princes
Rama and Lakshmana are at a distance, what shall I do
now? O vile being, undoubtedly shalt thou, terrified, be
destroyed by them. Myself drawing my bteath thou shall

iRANyAKlNDAM, 625

not be able to carry away this beloved queen of Ram^, the
pure-natured SitflL having eyes resembling lotuses. It is my
duty to do good unto the Iiigh-souled R&ma and Da9aratha
even at the sacrifice of my life. Do thou stand, O Ten-necked
one. Behold for a moment. O Rivana, I shall throw thee
headlotig from this car, like unto a fruit from its stalk. O
ranger of the night, ^ven to my utmost might I will render
thee hospitality in encounter.

SECTION LI.

HILE YatSyU) the king of birds, spake this, R^vand,
the lord of Rftkshasas, wearing pendants made of pure gold,
having his eyes reddened with ire, darted t:o\Vards him.
Thereupon they began a terrible conflict in the welkin, like
Utito clouds driven by wind. Thel-e octured a mighty conflict
between YatSyu, the lord of vultures, and Ravanl, the lord of
RAkshasas, like unto two Mal^atdn^ hills supplied With
wings. Thereat RSvana began to shower continually
terrible and sharpened pikes, iron arrOws and Vikarnis
upon the mighty lord of vultute?. YatSyu, the king of birds,
began to withstand in conflict the arrows and weapons
darted by Rivana, and wounded Rivana's pisrsoh With his
feet supplied with sharpened talorts. Thereupon, to destroy
his enemy, that mighty hero, the Ten-necked Rivana, bein^
exercised with ire, took up ten terrible arrows like unto
the sceptre of Death, and stretching the bow to the full he
shot those straight-coursing sharpened shafts at Yatayii,
the king of birds. Beholding Janaki with tears in her eyes
in that Rikshasa's car, Yatayu, the king of birds, disregarding
those arrows, darted towards Ravana, and with his feet

♦ A mountainous r^nge dtecribed as one of the smaller mountains of India
proper, lyiiif euXmtt^^i mount Meru.^T.

626 RImXYANA.

broke asunder liis bow with tlie arrows, adorned with pearls
and diamonds. Thereat Ravnna, almost beside himself with
wrath, takinor up anotlier bow, began to shower arrows by
hundreds and thousands. Being covered with those arrow5,
the lord of birds appeared like a bird lying in his nest
Pushing away these arrows by the wind of his wings, he
again snapped tl)at mighty bow with his feet, and with
a Ft rake of his wings shattered R§vana's flaming shield like
unto burning fire. Thereupon, moving away with the wind
of his wings Havana's blazing cuirass resembling flaming
fire, Jat^yu in that conflict made away with his fleet-coursing
asses having the faces of demons. Next crumbling
into pieces with his impetus the mighty chariot of RSLvana,
coursing at will, -flaming like fire, having steps studded
with jewels, and a wooden pole, and throwing dowu the
umbrella and chowris like unto the full moon along with the
RSikshasas engaged in carrying them,the effulgent and mightj
lord of birds shattered the head of the charioteer with
the strokes of his beak. Having his bow snapped and
deprived of his car, horses and charioteer, RSivana fell down
to the earth, taking Vaidehi on his lap. Beholding
Ravana fallen on the ground and of broken conveyance, all
creatures praised the king of vultures again and again and
worshipped him.

Thereupon, finding the lord of birds worn out on account
of his old age, RSlvana, highly encouraged, again rose high
up in the welkin, taking Maithili with him. He had all his
weapons broken in the conflict, and had but his dagger left
to him. Beholding him proceed thus pleased, taking the
daughter of Janaka on his lap, — all his weapons having been
lost, with his sword alone left, — the mighty and powerful lord
of vultures, YatSLyu, rose up and, darting towards Rftvana,
resisted him and said, — ''O RSivana of feeblo sense, it is for
the destruction of the whole line of RSlkshasas that thon
carricst away this spouse of Rima, having arrows 1 ke

iRANVAKlNDAM. 627

unto thunderbolts. Like cne thirsty drinking water, thou
dost address thyself to drinking poison along wit!) thy friends,
courtiers, four-fold forces, servants and relatives. Foolish
persons unaware of the fruit of Iheir actions, meet in a short
time with their own destruction, — so shalt thou very soon
meet with thy own end. Thou hast been bound up by the
noose of Death ; and, proceeding whither, shalt thou save
thysell, like unto fish eating up baits with hooks for their
own destruction ? O Ravana, it is beyond thy power to
defeat the K§kutsthas. They shall not forgive thee for this
thy encroachment upon their asylum. What hath been per*
petrated by thee, coward, is blamed by all, and is the way taken
recourse to by thieves and not by heroes. Do thou fight, O
RSlvana, if thou art a hero, or wait for a moment and thou
shalt lie down on the earth like unto thv brother Khara.
Truly hast thou for thy own destruction engaged thyself in
these impious acts, which are perpetrated by men on the eve
of their death. What person doth that which leadeth solely
into sin? Neither the lord of celestials nor the self-create
Deity doth engage in such an action." Addressing these
moral words, the mighty YatSyu sw^ooped on the back of that
Ten-necked RSlkshasa. Like unto the rider of a mad ele-
phant, the lord of vultures began to tear Ravana with his
sharpened claws, and that one having for his weapons his
beak, talons, and wings, began to riv<; Ravana*s back
with his beak and claws, and to uproot his hair. Being
thus aflicted again and again by the king of vultures, the
R&kshasa shook, with his lips quivering in anger. Beside him-
self with anger, RSLvana, holding Janaki fast by her left flank,
struck YatSyu with his palms. YatSyu, the subduer of foes,
bearing the strokes, tore into pieces his ten left arms with
his beak. His arms cut off, instantly sprang up as many others,
like unto serpents issuing out of ant-hills, being exercised with
the pangs of poison. The mighty Ten-necked one, leaving
aside Sit5, out of anger bore down Yatayu with his fists and

628 J^lMlyXNA.

lefit. Thereupon arose a mighty conflict between the lord of
of vultures and the lord of R&kshasas of incomparable
prowess. YatSyu addressing himself to displaying his prowess
for the benefit of RSma, RSlvana taking out his dagger, cut
off his two wings, two legs and two sides. The ranger of
the night of cruel deeds having sundered his wings, the king
of vultures approaching wellnigh the verge of deatb^ fell
down on the earth. Beholding him fallen on the grcniBd
with his person bathed in blood, Sit2l became exceedingly
aggrieved and darted towards him like unto a friend. The
lord of Lankft beheld Yat^yu, fallen on the ground, resembliag
sable clouds, having a yellow breast and of exceeding
prowess, — like unto an extinguished forest-fire. Then Sit&
the daughter of Janaka, having a moon-like countenance
be^an lamenting, clasping with her hands YatSyu, crushed
and fallen on the ground by the vehemence of RSvana*s
prowess.

SECTION Lll.

Xjeholding the king of vultures slain by R&vana, thai
one possessed of a face fair as the moon, striken with grief,
broke out into lamentations, saying, "Throbbings of the
eyes or other parts of the body, dreams, seeing birds or
hearing their voices, are found to augur happiness or misery
to men. And, O RSma, although birds and beasts are
scampering away before thee on my account, thou under-
standcst not the mighty mishap that has befallen thee. O
RSima, this bird, who, moved by kindness, had come to rescue
me, owing to my all) luck, lies slain on the ground. O
KAkutstha, O Lakshmana, save me I" Thus did that best of
females, afflicted with fear, bewail ; and those near (her)
heard her lamentations. Thereat, tl.at lord of the Rikthasas,

iRANFAKlNDAM, 629

RSLvana, darted towards Vadehi, who, with a faded wreath
for her ornament, was bewailing in forlorn guise.. Exclaim-
ing repeatedly, **Leave off !" "Leave off/' the lord of the
R&kshasas got at her, as she was clasping a mighty tree as
if it were a creeper. And as she, bereft of the company of
R9lma in the wilderness, was wailing, saying, "O Rama,"
•*0 Rima," that one resembling the Destroyer himself,, with
the view of compassing his own end, seized her by her hair.
On Vaidehi being thus outraged, this entire world consisting
of mobile and immobile objects, had its nature altered. A
dense darkness enveloped (everything). And the air did not
breathe there; and the sun grew dim. Espying with his
divine vision that Sita was overcome, that Deity, the graceful
Great-father exclaimed, ''Our work is accomplished.'* And
seeing SitJl overpowered, the supreme saints inhabiting
the Dandaka forest, concluding the destruction of Rivana
to be as good as accomplished without much ado, became
at once delighted and aggrieved. As she went on weeping
with '*0 RSma,'* **0 Lakshmana," Ravana— lord of Rakshasas
— taking her, coursed through the sky. And then the king's
daughter hued like molten gold, clad in a yellow silken
cloth, looked exceedingly beautiful like unto lightning. And
on her yellow cloth streaming up, Ravana looked surpassingly
graceful like a hill aflame with fire. And coppery fragrant
lotus-leaves belonging to the eminently auspicious Vaidehi
showered upon Rivana. And her gold-glowing silken cloth,
flying in the air, appeared like clouds colored by the sunken
sun. And her blameless countenance on R^vana's lap in
the sky did not appear beauteous without RlLma^ — like a lotus
without its stalk ; it appeared like the moon risen tearing
away dark clouds. And in the aerial regions her counten-
ance on RStvana's lap furnished with a fair forehead and
graceful hair glowing like the interior of a lotus, without
scars, graced with white, shining, stainless teeth, having
excellent eyes,— lovely like the moon, having a shapely nose,

630 kXmIyana.

a rubeous upper lip, — wearing the splendour of gold in the
sky, — that captivating countenance of hers in consequence of
her weeping, and of being stained with tears, as also owin?
to the violence it had undergone at the hands of the lord
ofRakshasas. — did not appear beautiful without RSma; like
the moon risen during the day. And furnished with the hue
of gold, Mithila^s daughter beside the dark-bodied lord of
the Rakshasas, looked like a golden girtli round a sable
elephant. And Janaka's daughter^ yellow-hued like lotus,
having the lustre of gold. — and adorned with shining orna-
ments, coming in contact with RSLvaha, appeared like
lightning embosomed among clouds. And in consequence
of Vaidehi's ornaments sending sounds, the lord of RSLkshasas
resembled an entirely dark rumbling cloud. And as SitSL
was being borne away, showers of blossoms, falling off from
her head, were scattered all around on the earth beneath.
And that blossomy shower all around, drawn up by the
vehemence of the ten-headed RSLvana, again alighted beside
him. And the showers of blossoms scattered around
Vai^ravana's younger brother, looked like rows of burning
stars round the foremost of mountains.* And the bangles
studded with gems, loosened from Vaidehi's feet, fell on the
earth, like the lightning circle.t Of hue like the light red of
tender twigs, Vaidehi set off the dark-bodied lord of
RSkshasas, as does a golden cover an elephant. Vai^ravana's
younger brother carried away Sita, who, like a mighty
meteor, filled the heavens with her splendour. And like
stars of exhausted religious merit dropping down from the
sky, her fiery ornaments began to fall to the earth with
sounds. And the chain of the splendour of the moon, removed
from Vaidehi's breast, falling down, shone like the Gang&
dropping from the sky. The trees filled with various fowls,
with their tops waving because of the wind blowing on high

* Sumrni. — T.

t Instead of On the carik — some texts have [bangles] sveet-scundin^j'^T.

IRANVAKXNDAM. 631

and swaying them, seemed to say, **No fear," [unto Sita.]
And the poob with their lotuses faded and their fishes
agitated, seemed to sorrow for the desponding daughter of
Mithill as for their friend. And following Sita's shadow,
lions, and tigers, and other beasts and birds, rushed from all
sides in wrath. And the mountains, with their faces washed
with water-falls representing tears, and their summits resem-
bling uplifted arms, seemed to lament for Sit§, as she was
being carried away. And beholding Vaidchi carried away,
the glorious Sun, oppressed with sadness, had his rays
dimmed and his disc darkened. ''Virtue is not ; and where
is truth ? And there is neither sincerity nor kindness, — in a
case in which R^vana is carrying away RSma's Vaidehi ;"
thus did all creatures lament in numbers. And the young of
deer, afiSicted with fear, wept with woe-begone faces. And
the sylvan deities, looking up now and again with eyes
betokening fear, had their persons all in a tremble. For
compassing his own destruction, the Ten-headed one carried
away the intelligent Vaidehi, bewailing bitterly, Sita, who
had come by such misfortune, sweet-voiced, crying, *'0
Lakshmana" "O RSma,'' and casting glances on the ground
many a time and oft, — the ends of her hair waving and her
tilika wiped out. Then oppressed with the loadof fear, Sita
of luminous smiles, — Mithila's daughter, bereft of her friends
—not beholding either Rama or Lakshmana, became pale of
countenance.

SECTION Llll.

KNEEING him fly up into the air, Janaka's daughter,
Maithili, became aggrieved and exceedingly agitated, and
great was the fear that possessed her. Her eyes expressing
ragCi weeping and fright, Sit§, as she was being carried away,

632 RlMlYANA.

weeping piteously, spoke to the grim-eyed lord of Ibe
R^kshasas, saying, ''Dost thou not, O base wretch^ 0
Ravana, feel shame on account of this act*— ^hoU| who,
knowing that I was alone, fliest away, carrying me ? Coward
that thou art, tliou it was, whd, desirous of carrying me off,

■ft

by the shape of a deer, hadst, bythy [powers of] illusion
taken away my lord. And he also that endeavoured to
rescue me, has been slain by thee-— the ancient king of
vultures, who was the friend of my father-in-law. Great,
forsooth, is found to be thy might, thou vilest of R&kshasas ;
in that thou hast carried me off^by simply declaring thy name,
but hast not won me in war. Why dost thou not, O execrable
one, take shame unto thyself, having perpetrated such a
heinous act — having carried off another's wife in the absence
of her husband ? This fell and foul act of thine fraught with
unrighteousness, heroic persons shall bruit about the world.
Fie on thy heroism and thy truth,-*K>f which thou didst apeak
at that time ; and fie also on this character of thine^ calculat-
ed to sully thy line in this world. What can I do (unto
thee), as thou proceedest with speed f But stay thou for a
moment ; and thou shalt not return with life. Shouldst
thou come within the range of the vision of those sons of
the king, thou couldst not, although thou shouldst happen
to be accompanied with thy army, live for a moment. Even
as a bird cannot bear the touch of a flaming fire in a forest,
thou canst never bear the touch of their arrows. Effecting
thy own welfare, do thou, O R&vana, leave me. If thou do
not let mc go, my husband along with his brother would
strive for thy destruction. As intent upon sensul enjoyment,
thou endeavourest to ravish me, this very endeavour of
thine, O mean wight, shall come to naught. Not beholding
my lord resembling a celestial, I cannot, come under the
sway of my enemy, bear to live long. As one dwelling on
earth perceives objects in their reversed relations at the
time of one's death, so thou dost not perceive what ia for thy

ARANFAKXNDAM. 633

good or profit. Those moribund do not relish what would
do them good. I see thee with the noose of Death wound
round thy neck. As, O ranger of night, thou art not affect-
ed with fear, albeit the situation is one calculated to raise
one's apprehensions, it is clear that thou wilt see the golden
trees, the dreadful river Vaitarani flowing with blood, the
terrible wood, O Ravana, rife with leaves in the shape of
swords, and a sharp Salmali containing blossoms of shining
gold, having lapises for its leaves, and bearing iron thorns.
But, O shameless one, like a person that hath drunk poison,
having done this wrong unto that high-souled one, thou
wilt not be able to save thyself. O Ravana, thou art fast
fettered in the noose of Death. Having done this foul turn
unto that high-souled one, repairing whither, shalt thou obtain
respite ? Shall not that strong and heroic Raghava, skilled
in all weapons, who without his brother, in the twinkling
of an eye, in battle slew fourteen thousand Rakshasas, slay
thee, who earnest away his beloved wife ?" Thus and in
other ways, Videha's daughter, lying on the lap of Ravana,
overwhelmed with fear and grief, indulged in piteous lament-
ations. And the wicked (RSLvana) with a shaking frame
carried away the daughter of the king extremely distressed,
speaking much, and speaking piteously, uttering lament-
ations, and putting forth endeavours (to free herself.)

SECTION LIV.

CARRIED away (by Ravana), Vaidehi, not finding any
defender^ saw five principal monkeys stationed on the top
of a hill. Thereat, that lady of expansive eyes and surpass-
ing charms, in the hope that they might convey the intelli-
gence unto RSLma, flung off in their midst her gold-gleaming
silken sheet, and elegant ornaments. But the Ten headed

634 RAMlyANA,

one owing to hurry did not observe the throwing of the
cloth along with the ornaments. Those foremost of monkeys
having" tawny eyes observed with winkless eyes the large-
eyed Siia as she was giving way to grief. And the lord of
Rakshasas, passing beyond PampSi, directed his course
towards the city of Lanka, taking Mithill's daughter along
with him, indulging in lamentations. Experiencing the
height of delight, R^vana ravished her, taking her on his lap,
like a sharp-toothed serpent of virulent poison. And speedily,
like an arrow shot from a bow, he, coursing the welkin,
left behind woods and streams and mountains and
pieces of water. And coming to the abode of Varuna, that
refuge of rivers, the exhaustless ocean — the home of
whales and alligators, he crossed over it. In conse-
quence of the carrying away of Vaidehi, Varuna's abode,
from grief, had all its waves stilled and its fishes and
mighty snakes inert. — And the Chlranas uttered in the
heavens these words, "O Ten-headed one, this is thy
end." Thus did the Siddhas then say. And taking Siti
on his lap, representing his own Death, — who endeavoured
(to liberate herself), Ravana entered the city of Lankil. And
entering the city of Lank§, vast, with all its highways
well-arranged, and with people thronging its gates, he
entered his own inner apartment. Then Rlvana set Siti
there, having eyes with dark outer corners, exercised with
grief and dole ; as if Maya had set his own Asura Illusion
(in his own palace). Then the Ten-headed one spoke unto
some female friends of terrible visages, "Let no man or
woman behold SitS without my permission. And I command
that, should she ask for pearls, or rubies, or gold, or apparel,
or ornaments, the same should be rendered unto her. She
that, whether knowingly or unknowingly should say anything
unpleasant to Vaidehi, would hold her life cheap." Having
said this unto the Rakshasis, the puissant lord of the R&ksah-
sas, went out of the inner apartn^ent, and thought within

ARANVAKANDAM. 653

himself as to what was to be done (next). And he saw

eight flesli-eating Rakshasas of wondrous prowess. And

seeing them, the exceedingly powerful (Ravana), blinded

by the bestowal of the boon, after extolling their strength

and heroism, addressed them, saying, **Equipped with

various weapons, do ye speedily take yourself to Janasthana, —

that field of carnage — which ere this contained the abode

of Khara ; and casting off fear at a distance, do ye

sojourn in vacant Janasthana with all its Rakshasas slain

(by RSLma). A great many troops endeued with exceeding

prowess, who had been posted in Janasthana, have, along

with Dushana and Khara, been slain by the shafts of Rama.

Hence unprecedented is my wrath, towering above my

patience ; and great and fierce also is the hostility I have

conceived against R§ma. I wish to avenge myself on my

mighty enemy. Sleep find I none without slaying my foe

in fight. Slaying that slayer of Khara and Dushana, Rama, 1

shall attain delight like unto that attained by a pauper on

gaining riches. Staying in Janasthana, ye shall gather true

information touching RSLma as to what he is about. Repair

all ye rangers of the night carefully, and strive yourselves

always for slaying RSma. I have been well acquainted with

your strength in many a field, and it is for this that I set

ye in JanasthSina.'' Hearing these agreeable and weighty

words of Rivana, those Rakshasas, bowing down unto

RSLvana, left LankSL, and in a body invisibly proceeded in

the direction of Janasthana. Having obtained Mithila's

daughter, Rftvana experienced great joy in establishing her

(in his own house) ; and having created high hostility with

Rima, RSLvana through blindness rejoiced greatly.

636 RiMXrANA.

SECTION LV.

9m0^*>

AVING commissioned those eight terrible and mighty
Rakshasas, Ravana^ in consequence of perversion of sense,
considered himself as crowned with success. And brooding
over Vaidehi, he, sore pierced by the shafts of KSlmai hastily
entered his charming mansion, with the intention of seeing
Sita. And entering that apartment, RSvana— lord of
R&kshasas — saw the distressed SitSl in the midst of the
Rakshasas, with a tearful countenance, oppressed with a load
of grief, like unto a bark sinking in the ocean through
the violence of the winds ; like unto a doe separated
from the herd of deer, and surrounded by dogs. Coming to
Sita disconsolate in consequence of stress of sorrow, remain-
ing with her head bent down, that ranger of the night, the
lord of the Rdkshasas, forcibly shewed unto her that man-
sion resembling the mansion of the celestials, thick with
palaces and lordly piles, inhabited by thousands of females ;
containing birds of vaious kinds ; furnished with various
gems ; with beautiful pillars of ivory gold and crystal
and silver, studded with diamonds and lapises. R&vana in
company with Sit«L ascended the beautiful golden stairs,
resounding with the sounds of kettle-drums and embellished
with ornaments of burnished gold. And those loftly edifices
had excellent windows made of ivory and silver, and covered
with golden nets. The ground all over was decorated with
ambrosia and gems. The Ton-headed one in his own mansion
shewed unto Maithilee large tanks and pools covered with
various kinds of flowers. (All this) R&vana shewed unto
Sita overmastered by sorrow. And after having shewed
unto Vaidehi the whole of that goodliest of mansions, that
wicked one, with the intention of tempting Sit2L, spoke unto
her, saying, "O SilS. leaving out old men and boys, I am
the lord of Ihirty two koiis of night-rangers of terrible deeds.
And a thousand come forward whenever required for any

IlRANVAKINDAM. 637

service.— If such is my sovereignty, all this is established
in thee, O large-eyed lady, as well as my life. Thou art
dearer unto me than life. O Sita, be thou the mistress
of those numerous excellent women who are my wives. Dear,
be thou my wife. This is for thy good. Why shoudst thou
act otherwise ? Do thou relish my speech. Do thou bend thy
mind towards me. It behoves thee to favor me, who am
burning (in the heat of desire). This Lankci measuring an
hundred Yoyanas girt round by the ocean, is incapable of
being harassed by the celestials themselves headed by Indra.
Neither among the celestials nor Yakshas nor Gandharbas
nor Serpents, find I any one that can match me in prowess.
What wilt thou do with Rama a human being of short life,
poor, of small prowess^ practising mendicancy ? O Sita,
bend thy mind unto me. I am a fit husband for thee. O
timed one, youth is uncertain. Sport with me here. And,
O thou of a handsome countenance, do not wish for the
sight of RSlghava. O Sita, what power hatly he to come
hither even in thought ? None can fetter the exceedingly
fleet wind in the sky, or hold the bright flame of a burning
fire. O beauteous one, in these three worlds I find no one
that can by his might carry thee away, who art protected
by my arms. Do thou govern at Lanka this extensive
kingdom. The like of me and celestials and all that are
mobile and immobile shall be thy servants. Laving thy
limbs with water, do thou gratify me. The evil that thou
hadst done, hath been expiated by thy life in the forest : now
do thou reap the fruit of thy good deeds. Here are garlands
furnished with divine fragrance, and, O Maithili, superb
ornaments. Enjoy thou all those along with me. O thou
of shapely hips, the car called Pushpaka, resembling the sun,
which (formerly) belonged to my brother Vai9ravana, was
through my prowess won by me in fight. And vast and
beautiful is that car furnished with the speed of the mind.
Do thou, O Sita, at thy pleasure sport on it along with me.

638 rAmIfana.

Thy face stainless and lovely to look at, resembling the lotus,
doth not, O thou of a comely countenance, O magnificent
damsel, appear beautiful in consequence of thy being exer-
cised with grief." When Ravana had spoken thus, that
best of females Sita muffling up her moon-like countenance
with the ends of her cloth, began to shed gentle tears.
Thereat the heroic ranger of the night, Ravana, said unto
Sita, distressed, sunk in thought, and deprived of her splen-
dour through anxiety, 'O Vaidehi, banish bashfulness, which
stands in the way of one's duty. The yearning I feel after
thee is in consonance with what the sages prescribe. These
tender feet of thine I press upon my heads. Do thou speedily
shew thy favor unto me. I am thy slave (ever) obedient
unto thee. Let not these words of mine spoken by me under
the withering influence of love prove fruitless. Ravana hath
never bowed his head to any female." Having said this,
the Ten-headed one, come under the subjection of the Des-
troyer, looked upon Maithili, Janaka's daughter (as his
own) saying, "She is mine."

SECTION LVI.

ri AVlNG been thus addressed, Vaidehi unaffected by
fear, although exercised with grief, placing a blade of grass
between herself and Ravana, answered him, saying, "There
was a king named Da9aratha, the bridge of righteousness,
like unto a mountain, ever bearing regard towards the truth,
and renowned among men, whose son is Raghava. He is
named Rama, and is righteous-souled and celebrated over the
three worlds. He is long-armed, of expansive eyes, — like
unto a celestial — he is my husband. Born in the race of the
IkshwSikus, .he hath the shoulders of a lion and is possessed
ol exceeding effulgence — the same that along with his

iRAl^YAKlNDAM. 639

her, Lakshmana, shall take thy life. If thou hadst
iged me forcibly in his presence, thou wouldst have lain
attle in Janasthana even as Khara." All the mighty
shasas of grim visages, whom thou hast extolled (before
shall be deprived of their venom before Rama, as
ents are before Suparna. The shafts decorated with
shot by the bow-string of Raghava, shall pierce their
es, as the waves of the Ganga (beat against) her banks.
ough, O R^vana, thou mayst be incapable of being
. either by the gods or the Asuras, yet having roused the
hostility of Raghava, thou wilt not be able to liberate
life. The strong RSghava will compass the end of what
lins of thy life. Like the life of a beast tied to the
ificial stake, thy own is incapable of being reclaimed,
uld R§ma look at thee with eyes aglow with anger, thou,
akshasa, wouldst be consumed even as Manmatha was by.
ra. He who is able to bring down the Moon or destroy
, and to drink up the ocean dry, will surely liberate Sita
I here. Thy days are numbered, and auspiciousness
bidden thee adieu. Thou art shorn of strength, and thy
ies have been dulled. And it is owing to thee that
kSl shall be subject to widowhood. That thou by force
for naught carried me away from the side of my husband
is sinful act can never conduce to thy felicity. That
tedingly effulgent lord of mine along with my husband's
iger brother, summoning up their energy, is fearlessly
lling in the vacant Dandaka. By means of an arrowy
ver in conflict, he will take thy prowess and strength,
hauteur and wickedness out of thy person. When urged
he Destroyer, the destruction of creatures is perceptible,
I, coming under the sway of the Destroyer, men become
rless in- their actions. Having outraged me, thou, O
st of R^kshasas, thy time come ; for compassing thy own
:ruction as well as that of the Rakshasas and those dwell-
in thy inner apartment. A Chandala cannot tread the

640 RAmXVANA.

dais reared in the midst of a sacrifice beauteous with ladles,
and vessels, and sanctified by the twice-born ones. So I,
the religiously wedded wife of that one, ever intent on virtue,
and (always) firm in my vows, is incapable, thou vilest of
R«Lkshasas, of being touched by thee, a sinner. How can
the female that hath always 'sported with her mate amidst
lotuses, cast her eyes on a shag staying among rushes. Do
thou either bind or destroy this body deprived of sensation.
This body will I not protect, nor yet this life, O RSLvana;
and I shall not be able to bring blame on myself in this
world." Having said these harsh words in wrath, Vidcha's
daughter, Janaki, did not there again say anything unto
RSLvana. Hearing Site's words, harsh and calculated to
make one's down stand on end, Ravana answered her in
words tending to excite one's apprehension, **Hear, O
Maithili, my words. O damsel if, O thou of sweet smiles,
within this time thou do not turn thyself unto me, the cooks
shall cut thee off in pieces to serve my morning meal."
Having herself spoken thus, RSLvana, — challenger of foes-
growing exceedingly wroth, addressed the RSkshasis in
these words, "Ye frightful Rakshasis terrible to behold,
subsisting on flesh and gore, do ye at once crush her pride."
As soon as he had said this, those frightfnl and terrible
Rakshasis with joined hands encircled Maithili. Then the
grim-visaged king Ravana, as if riving the earth by his
tread, proceeding a pace or two, said, "Do ye take Maithili
to the wood of Asokas, There surrounding her, do ye
secretly guard her; and there (sometimes) by storming, and
(at others) by means of soft speech, do ye all strive to bring
Mithila's daughter, like a wild female elephant, under your
sway." Thus commanded by Ravana, those Rakshasis
taking Maithili along with them, went to the vf^(7^« wood,
abounding with trees granting every desire, and filled with
various kinds of fruits and flowers ; and frequented by fowls
fraught with juices at all seasons. And as a doe comes

AJ^A NFA KlNDA M. 641

under the subjection of tigresses, Janaka*s daughter, Maithili,
her frame worked up with grief, came under the sway of the.
Rakshasis. And like a female deer fast bound by a trap,
Janaka's timid daughter Maithili, agitated by the mighty
grief, did not attain respite. And greatly up-braided by
the fierce eyes (of the Rakshasis), Maithili did not know
repose; and, afflicted with grief'and fear, she, remembering
her beloved lord along with Lakshmana swooned away.

SECTION LVI.

AVING slain the Rakshasa, Maricha^ able to wear
shapes at will, who had been ranging in the form of a deer,
R&ma speedily turned back along the path. On Sita having
entered LankS, the great father addressed the gratified
Devendra of an hundred sacrifices, '*For bringing about the
weal of the three worlds, and the woe of the Rakshasas,
Sita hath been taken into LankSi by the wicked-minded,
Rivana. Devoted unto her husband, the exalted lady always
brought up in happiness, not seeing her husband, and
seeing ( on the other hand ) environed by numbers of
Rakshasis,— is hungering after the sight of her lord.
The city of Lanka is situated on the shores of the lord of
rivers and streams. How can RSlma get a knowledge of
that blameless one, staying there ? Brooding over the
various ills she hath undergone, that exceedingly rare damsel
is passing her days. Surely she will resign her existence.
Great is the dou^t that hath arisen as to Sita putting a
period to her existence. Having thyself frcmi here, do thou
see the fair-faced Sita. Having entered the city of Lanka,
offer excellent clarified butter.** Thus addressed by the
reverend chastiser of Paka, Devendra in company with
sleep, approached the city ruled by Ravna. He then

642 RUllYANA.

addressed sleep, saying, *'Go thou ; and stupify the Rik-
shasas." Thus accosted by Maghavat, that goddess,
exceedingly delighted, for securing success to the work of
the celestials, covered the RSLksha^as with stupor. In the
meanwhile, that god, the thousand-eyed lord of Sachi went
to (Sila) staying in the woods, and spoke unto her these
words, ''I anri the sovereign of the celestials. Good betide
thee ! I am here, O thou of luminous smiles ! For securing
success unto the work of the magnanimous RSghavai I will
lend my aid unto thee. Do not, O daughter of Janaka,
grieve. Through my grace, he shall along with his forces
cross over the ocean. And, O excellent wench, I have by
my supernal power, stupified the RSLkshasis. And, O Siti,
for this reason, I along with sleep, taking these rice, — rice
boiled in clarified butter, have, O Vaidehi, come unto thee.
If thou partake of these from my hand, thou shalt never 0
beuteous one, be afflicted either with hunger or thirst, 0
thou of thighs resembling rambhd (trunks), for years."
Thus addressed, SitSL, alarmed, said, "How can I know thee
for Devendra, Sachi's husband, staying here ? By the side
of RSma and Lakshmana, I had beheld the signs of the
celestials. If, O Devendra, thou art thyself the sovereign
of the celestials, show those unto me." Hearing Siti's
words, the lord of Sachi did accordingly. He did not touch
the earth with his feet, and his eyes remained winkless. He
bloomed in youth, and the blossoms did not fade on his
attire. Thereupon knowing him for VSlsava, Sit& was over-
joyed. And weeping, she spoke regarding Rftghava, "By
luck it is that I had heard of that mighty-armed one along
with his brother. As is my father-in-law, the king, as is
the master of Mithila, so art thou (unto me), thou whonii I
behold to-day ; my husband hath now found a protector.^-
And by thy command, O Devendra, will I partake of
this pdyasa cooked with milk, which hath been offered
unto me, and which shall enhance (the prosperity) of our

iRANFAKlNDAM. 643

race." Thereupon taking the pdyasa from Indra's hands,
that Maithili of luminous smiles (mentally) offered it unto
her husband as well as Lakshmana. **If my mighty lord live
along with his brother, let this through my reverence
for them, be theirs." She then partook of the pdyasa
herself. Having thus eaten it, that one of excellent coun-
tenance, had her hunger and rising sorrow removed ;
and attaining a mental tendency from Indra, Janaki grew
glad with reference to the Kakutshthas. And Sakra also for
bringing about the success of RSghava's work, with a pleased
mind, went to the abode of celestials. And greeting Sita
again and again, that high-souled celestial, in company with
sleep went back to his own abode."

SECTION LVM.

■V ILLING the RSLkshasa, M§richa assuming shapes at will
and ranging in the shape of a deer, Rama vended speedily his
way. And as he hurried himself, eager to behold Maithili,
jackals began to howl hideously at his back. Hearing their
harsh cries, capable of making one's hair stand on end,
RSma struck with fear at the voices of the jackals, became
filled with alarm. "Ah! I consider this as inauspicious^-
that these jackals are crying. Escaping being devoured by the
RSLkshasas, may fair fortune befall Vaidehi! If Laksh-
mana should have heard the cries which Maricha, knowing
my voice, and fixing on the means of harming me, uttered
in the form of a deer, Saumitri, hearing that voice, leaving
MithilS's daughter and commissioned by herself, must have-
come near me. Surely, the RSkshasas in a body are desirous
of slaying Sit5. Becoming a golden deer, Maricha, having
allured me far, transformed himself into a RSikshasa, as soon

644 RlMlYANA.

as he had been struck with my shafts ; and exclaimed, ' Ah !
.I^akshmana, slain am I.' It is doubtless, we having left
(Sita), whether all is well with her. I having raised the
hostility of the RSkshasas for the sake of JanasthSna ; and
many and dreadful are the omens I see (around me)."
Thus reflecting as he heard the bowlings of the jackals, the
self-possessed* Rima with hasty steps returned to the
asylum. R^ghava went back to Janasth&na, alarmed in
consequence of his having been drawn away by the
Rakshasa in the form of a deer. And birds and beasts
approached that high-souled one distressed and depressed
in spirit ; and staying on his left set up frightful cries. As
he was witnessing the exceedingly dreadful signs, RSghava
saw Lakshmana coming with a lacklustre (countenance);
and Lakshmana came up to Rama. And depressed in spirit,
he was rendered still more sad by that one who, afflicted
with depression shared his sorrow. And, seeing that
( Lakshmana ) had come, leaving SitSl in that solitary wood
frequented by Rakshasas, his brother fell to reprimanding
him. And taking Lakshmana's left; hand, the son of Raghu
in extreme distress sweetly spake these rough words, "Alas!
Lakshmana, thou hast committed a censurable act ; leav*
ing Sits, O mild one, thou hast come hither. Is it well
with her? I make no doubt, O hero, but that Janaka's
daughter hath either been slain or devoured by R&kshasas
ranging the forest. And, considering the many omens that
take place before me, O Lakshmana, I do not know whether
wc shall light upon welfare of Janaka's daughter Sit^ being
alive, O best of men. And as these multitudes of beasts
and these jackals arc crying frightfully in the flaming direc-
tion,* I do not know, O thou of mighty strength, whether it
is well with that daughter of the king. This R&kshasa, who,
wearing the shape of a deer, and, alluring me, had drawn me
far, hath in some sort been slain by me with much ado ;

• I. e. The quarter presided over by the sun, v/^., the East.— T,

Aran y A kAnda m, 645

and he became a Rakshasa at the time of his death. Yet
my mind is poor and cheerless ; and my left eye throbs.
Doubtless, O Lakshmana, Sita is not, — she is either carried
away, or dead, or is wandering on the way.

SECTION LVIII.

■»<^*-

Seeing Lakshmana cast down, cheerless, and come with-
out Vaidehi, the righteous son of Da9aratha, asked him,
saying, "Where, O Lakshmana is that Vaidehi, who hath
followed me unto the Dandaka forest, and leaving whom thou
hast come hither ? Where is that one of a slender waist,
who is the help in trouble of me, deprived of my kingdom,
dispirited, and running about the Dandakas ? Without whom,

0 hero, I cannot live for a moment — where ia that life's
help of me Sita resembling the daughter of a celestial ? O
Lakshmana, without Janaka*s daughter (hucd) like burning
gold, I covet not the sovereignty of the celestials or the
earth. Liveth Vaidehi, dearer unto mi: than life ? Shall » this
exile of mine be of no avail? O.Sumitra's son, on my
dying for Siti and thy returning (to the city,) shall Kaikeyi
have her desire, and attain felicity ; and shall Kau^alyS,—
her son dead, and herself wearing the guise of a female
mendicant, humbly wait upon Kaikeyi when she shall have
succeeded in obtaining the kingdom for her son ? If Vaidehi
live, I will then return to the asylum ; but O Lakshmana, if
that one of excellent character should happen to be dead,

1 will also renounce my life. If, O Lakshmana, Vaidehi
ever preluding her speech with a smile should not speak to
me when I arrive at the asylum, I shall give up my life.
Do thou tell me, .0 Lakshmana, whether Videha's daughter
liveth or not ; or whether, in consequence of thy acting heed-
lessly, that forlorn wench hath been devoured by Rakshasas.

C46 rAbiHyana.

Of a tender frame, and a mere girl, Vaidehii never having

experienced unhappiness being cast down, surely weepeth

for my separation. When that exceedingly wicked R&kshasa
cried, "Lakshmana" at the top of his voice, wast thou

also seized with fear ? And I apprehend that voice resem-
bling mine was heard by Vaidehi; and, despatched by her
from fear, thou mayst have come hither swiftly to see* mc.
Thou hast every way acted unwisely in having left Siti
alone in the wood. By this thou hast afforded opportunity
to the cruel Rakshasas to repair the mischief (I have done
them). The Rakshasas subsisting on flesh are aggrieved
because of Khara having been slain ; and now, without doubt,
those terrible ones have slain Siti. Alas ! absolutely sunk
am I in peril, O destroyer of foes. What shall I do now ? I
fear such an event was appointed for me/' Thus think-
ing of Sits, paragon among women, RSghava hastily went
to JanasthSna in company with Lakshmana« Taking to
task his younger brother of distressed visage, RSma, afflicted
with hunger and thirst, and dejected in spirits, sighing
heavily with a countenance turned pale, entered the asylum
and found it vacant. And entering his own asylum, that
hero went to the play-grounds (of SitSL) and remembering
the sporting ground (of SitI) in that abode, he was filled
with grief and his down stood on end.

SECTION LIX.

X HEN coming out of the hermitage, Raghu's descendanti
R&ma, after a while, from g^ief, spake these words to the
son of SumitrS, ''When confiding myself in thee, I had left
Maithili with thee in the wood, why then didst thou go oat,

leaving her behind ? O Lakshmana, directly I saw thee

— --

♦ S&mc tcxts^/0 rescue me,^~T.

iRANFAKlNDAM. 647

approach, renouncing Maithili, my mind, apprehending great
wrong, became really aggrieved. O Lakshmana, seeing thee
coming at a distance, renouncing her, my left eye and arm
as well as ray heart keep throbbing." Thus accosted,
Lakshmana having auspicious sign?, afflicted with great grief,
said unto the aggrieved Rama, **I have not come hither, of
my own accord, renouncing Sita ; but I have come to thee,
having been urged thereto by herself with rudeness. The
cries of "O Lakshmana, save me," as if uttered by the
master, came to the ears of Maithili.; Hearing those
distressful . accents^ Maithili from affection [ for thee ],
breaking out into lamentations, and overwhelmed with fear,
spoke unto me, "Off," *'off." On being repeatedly urged, with
*'Go," I answered Maithili in these words, tending to inspire
her confidence, 'I do not see such a Rakshasa, as can excite
his fear. Do thou desist. These cries do not come from him ;
but must have been uttered by some one else. How can he
that can rescue the celestials themselves, utter, O Sita, such
a blame-worthy and base word as — save [me]? Some one
far some purpose, assuming my brother's voice, is crying —
O Lakshmana, save me. O beauteous lady, these words, Save
me — must have been uttered by some Rakshasa from fear.
Thou shouldst not act like a mean woman. Do not be over-
whelmed ; and banish thy anxiety. There breathes no
person, nor yet shall there be born any one in these
three worlds who in the field shall vanquish Raghava
in fight. Raghava is incapable of being beaten in battle
by the very gods headed by Indra.' Thus addressed
(by me) Vaidehi, deprived of her sense, shedding tears,
spake unto me these cruel words, Tliou cherishest the vile
idea that on thy brother perishing, thou shalt come by me ;
but me thou shalt never have. As thou dost not go to him
albeit he is crying loudly (for help), thou followest Rama in
consonance with a hint from Bharata. A foe going about in
disguise^ thou followest Rama for my sake, prying into

648 kKhjXyana.

Ragliava's draw backs; and it is for this that thou dost not
go (to him) ?' Thus accosted by Vaidehi, I, with eyes red-
dened in wrath, and my nether lip swollen in ire, rushed
out of "the asylum." When Saumitri had spoken thus, Rama
transported by grief, said unto Lakshmana, *'0 gentle
one, thou hast done wrong in having come out hither
without her. Although thou knewest (full well) that I was
able to withstind the RSLkshasas, yet didst thou sally
out at the angry words of Mithil&'s daughter. I am not
pleased with thee that hearing her harsh speech spoken
in wrath, thou hast come hither, leaving Vaidehi behind.
Thou hast every way done wrong in not acting out my
mandate in consequence of being urged by Sit&, and under
the influence of indignation. That RSLkshasa lieth low,
being wounded by my shafts— that had drawn me away from
the asylum wearing the form of a deer. I hit him stretching
my brow slightly and fixing the shaft on it j when, renoun-
cing his deer-form he became a RiLkshasa wearing a bracelet
and began to emit distressful shrieks. Wounded by my
shaft, he, assuming my voice, and in accents capable of
being heard from far, uttered those dreadful words fraught
with dole, hearing which, thou hast come hither, renouncing
Mithila's daughter."

SECTION LX.

A.S R5ma went on, his feet failed him, his left eye began
to beat, and af trembling came over his frame. Seeing
again and again all these signs, he continually kept on asking
(Lakshmana), "Is it well with SitS?" Eager to behold
Sita, he proceeded fast ; but finding the abode empty, he was
filled with anxiety. And proceeding with swiftness, throw-
ing about his limbs, Raghu's son began to survey all around

ARAAFAKANDAM, 649

the hut. He then found it empty of Sita, like unio a tank
in evil plight and bereft of lotuses —during the winter. And
seeing the cottage empty, with its trees as if sorrowing, and
its flowers faded, and its beasts and birds sunk in gloom, —
shorn of grace, worn out, forsaken by the sylvan deities,
strewn with deer-skins and Ku^a, and twists of Kasa, he
wept again and again — "Hath the timid one been carried off,
or is she dead, or hath any one eaten her up, or hath she
vanished (from the earth), or hath she gone to the wood, or
hath she gone to cull flowers and fruits, or hath she gone to
the pool for procuring water, or hath she repaired to the
ri\erf Although he searched his beloved one carefully,
yet he failed to find her out in the wood-land. And that
graceful one with his eyes reddened with grief, seemed like
a maniac. And he rushed from tree to tree, and bewailing
being sunk in an occean of grief traversed all the rivers and
mountains. "O Kadamda, hast thou seen where is that one
fond of Kadamba groves ? If knowest thou this do thou tell
mc of SitSL having an auspicious countenance. O Bilya, tell
me pray, if thou hast seen her, wearing silken cloth, resembl-
ing cool leaves and having breast like unto Bilya fruits. Or,
O AryunS, she was very fond of thee, tell me if liveth
that daughter of Janaka of slender frame. This Kakuva
knoweth for certain about Maithilee having thighs like unto
Kakuva. Yon stands beautifully that Banaspati being en-
veloped with creepers, flowers and leaves and filled with the
hum of Vramaras. Surely doth this Tilaka know about her
who was fond of her. O Asoka^ who doth remove sorrows,
do thou make good thy name by making me, who am exer-
cised with grief, see instantly my beloved (spouse). O Tala^
if thou hast any pity on me do thou tell me whether thou
hast beheld that fair damsel having breast resembling ripe
Tala fruits. Do thou tell me without fear, O Jambhu, if
thou hast seen my dear one resembling in hue the river
Jambhu. O Karnikar^ thou appearest very beautiful with this

650 rImXvana.

blossoming flowers, tell me. if thou hast seen my dear
devoted wife whowas fond of thee." Thus the highly famous
R^ma asking about Sita, nearing the various trees such as
mangoe, Nipa, Maliasala, Panama, Kurava, Pomegranate,
Vakula, Pumnaga, Sandal and Keta began to traverse the
forest like a maniac. Again addressed he the diverse
animals — ''O deer, knowest thou for certain about J&naki
having the eyes of a doe ; is she engaged in play with the
does ? O elephant, methinks thou dost know about the
daughter of Janaka having thighs resembling thy trunk;
pray tell me if thou hast beheld her. O tiger, fearlessly do
thou relate unto me if thou hast seen my beloved Maithilee,
having a countenance resembling Moon. Odear! O thou
having eyes like unto lotuses! why dost thou flyaway?
Surely have I seen thee. Why dost thou not address me
hiding thyself behind the tree? Wait, wait, O thou fair
damsel, thou hast no compassion for me ! Never hadst thou
mock me before in this way ! Why dost thou neglect me
now ? O exquisitely fair damsel, truly have I found thee out
from this thy yellow silken cloth. I have seen thee flying away.
Stand if thou hast any love for me. Or, O thou having a sweet
smile, thou art not she ; truly thou hast been killed or else thou
wouldst not have neglected me at this time of dire affliction.
True it is that she hath been devoured in my absence by the
RSikshasas living on flesh having torn into pieces her limbs.
Truly hath her face, resembling the full-moon, having beauti-
ful teeth a fine nose and white Kundalas, become of
pale countenance being brought under the possession of the
RSikshasas. Her neck had the hue of sandal and was adorned
with necklace — that beautiful tender neck was eaten up by
the R^kshasas, my beloved wife wailing. Her arms were
tender like leaves and adorned with various ornaments ; truly
have the RSikshasas eaten them up, shaken as they were, by
throwing them here and there. Alas ! did I leave her alone
only to be devoured by the RSLkshasas ? And she hath been

IRANFAKHNDAM. 651

eaten up like one weak and helpless albeit she has many
friends. O Lakshmana, O thou of mighty-arms, hast thou
seen where my dear wife is ? O dear ! O Sita ! where hast
thou gone ?" Bewailing again and again in this strain R5ma
began to range the forest. Sometimes leaping, sometimes
walking in an uncertain direction, again and again he looked
like one void of sense. And again intent on searching SitSL he
furiously engaged in traversing the rivers, mountains, fountains
and the woods. He could not wait paitently anywhere.
Entering a vast forest he searched every nook and corner for
Maithilee ; his desire was not satisfied and he again engaged
with great labour in the finding out of his dear spouse.

SECTION LXI.

OI»

j5eh0LDING the hermitage and cottage desolate and the
seats strewn here and there, RSma the son of Da9aratha
looked around. And finding Sita nowhere he raised up his
beautiful arm and broke out into lamentations saying, "O
Lakshmana where is SitJL ? Where has she gone hence ? O
Saumitri, who hath carried away my dear one or who hath
devoured her ? O Sita, if wishest thou to mock me, hiding
thyself behind the tree, enough — enough it is — console me
who am exercised with grief. O pleasant Sita, without thee
these faithful little deer have engaged in meditation being
bathed in tears. Without Sita I shall not breathe, O Laksh-
mana. A mighty grief hath overtaken me in consequence of
her being carried away. My father the monarch shall surely
behold me in the next world and ask me ' I engaged
thee in the observance of a vow ; without fulfilling that, why
hast thou come here ? O shame on thee !* For certain shall
my father address me with these words relating to my
passionate, false and base conduct. All my desires have now

652 RlMlrANA.

been baffled and I have lost all control over myself and have
been exercised with grief. O fine damsel, O thou of slender
waist, where dost thou repair leaving me behind like unto
fame renouncing a person of vicious nature? Without thee
I shall renounce my own life." Being desirous of seeing
Sita, Rama afflicted with grief began to bewail in this strain,
but did not behold the daughter of Janaka. Being sunk in
grief on Sit3*s account he became worn out like unto an
elephant fallen in mnd. Thereat for his well being, Laksb-
mana spoke unto him saying, *-0 thou of mighty intellect^
do not grieve. Do thou put forth thy endeavours along with
me. There is that high hill, O hero, containing many a
cave. Maithili who is fond of ranging the forest and ever
delighteth in beholding the flowery woods, must have entered
therein or have gone to the watering-place blooming with
flowerets and lotuses. She has gone to the river abounding
in fish and Banjulas or has hidden herself somewhere in
the forest to frighten us and to know, O best of men, bow
we can search her out. O thou of great beauty, let us soon
engage in quest of her. O K^kuthstha, if thinkest Ihou
that she is somewhere in this forest, we shall leave no
quarter untried. Do thou not grieve." After Lakshmana had
spoken thus out of fraternal affection, RSLma, with a composed
heart, set out along with him in quest of SitSL. And search-
ing every nook and corner of the mountains, rivers, ponds,
table-lands, hills and summits they found Sil2l nowhere. And
searching thus all the mountains* RSma spake unto Lakshmana
saying ''Behold not I the auspicious Vaidehi on this mountain,
O Saumitri." Ranging the entire forest of Dandaka,
l^ikshmana, sore distressed, spake unto his brother of flaming
energy, saying "Surely shalt thou come by Maithili the
daughter of Janaka like unto the mighty armed Vishno
obtaining this earth after having bound VSli." Being thus
addressed by the heroic Lakshmana, RSghava, greatly afflicted
with sorrow, replied in piteous accents— "O thou of mighty

JlRANYAKXNDAM. 653

intellect I have searched every nook of this forest^ this pool
abounding in blown lotuses, and this mountain containing
many a cave and fountain ; but nowhere have I seen Vaidehi
dearer than my life." Thus bewailing Rama, racked with
sorrow consequent on SitJL being carried away, became
poorly and afflicted with grief and swooned away for some-
time. He lost his sense and his whole frame was worked
with grief. Being gi'eatly anxious and breathless he sighed
hot and fast and began to lament. And sobbing again and
again the lotus-eyed Rama bewailed with his voice choked
with the vapour of grief, exclaiming "Ah SitS !" Thereat his
dear brother Lakshmana, aggrieved, consoled him with joined
bands. But passing by the words dropping from Lakshmana's
lipsRlLma again and again bewailed not beholding his dear
Siti.

SECTION LXII

J^ OT beholding Sita the virtuous-souled Rama, of mighty
arms, having eyes resembling lotuses, beside himself with
grief, lamented (in many a way). Pierced with the shafts of
Manmatha, Raghava, as if beholding Sita though he actually
did not see her, uttered the following piteous accents — "O my
dear, thou delightest greatly in flowers. Covering thy own
person with Asoka twigs thou art increasing my grief. Thy
thighs are like unto the trunks of plantain trees and thou
hast hidden thyself behind the plantain grove. But I per-'
cieve thee, O fair one, thou art incapable of keeping thyself
hidden. O auspicious one, thou hast entered smiling the
Karnikar grove. No more with thy pastime, O dear one,
leading to my death. Moreover it is not proper to sport in
this way in a hermitage. I know it full well, O my dear,
that thou art by nature fond of pastimes. But O thou of

654 RlMlFANA.

expansive eyes, this cottage lieth desolatej do thou come here.
Evident it is that Sita hath either been devoured by the
Rakshasas or carried away by them, and therefore she doth
not approach me, O Lakshmana, who am thus bewailing.
These deer, O Lakshmana, with tearful eyes have been as if
declaring that Sit^ hath been devoured by the night-rangers.

0 chaste one, O thou of exquisitely fine hue, O worshipfal
madam, whither hast thou repaired ? O Sit&^ truly bath
the desire of Kaikeyi been fulfilled to-day. I came out wiUi
Sits and shall return home without her. How shall I enter
again that inner apartment void of Sitft? Surely shall the
people blame me as being cruel and destitute of energy.
That I have no prowess hath already been manifested in the
destruction of SitSL. When the king Janaka shall come to
me after my return home from exile, to ask me of my welfare
how shall I meet him ? And surely shall he be overwhelmed
with grief on his daughter's account when he shall find me
without Sits. Blessed is my father since he is in heaven now.

1 shall not repair to that city protected by Bharata. Without
her even the heaven itself appears to me as desolate. Do
thou therefore repair to the city of Ayodhya leaving me in this
forest. By no means shall I breathe without her. Embracing
him warmly do thou tell Bharata, as instructed by me—
'RIma hath given thee permission to administer this
kingdom.' As ordered by me do thou with proper respect
salute all my mothers Kau^alya, Kaikeyi and Sumitri and
protect them all with great care and respectful compliments.
O destroyer of foes, do thou relate at length unto my mother
the story of SitSl's destruction." Rftma bewailing thus, being
overwhelmed with grief on account of his separation from
SitSi having a head of fine hair, Lakshmana became of pak
countenance and was greatly distressed at heart.

iRANFAKlNDAM. 655

SECTION LXIII.

JLhat son of a king, stricken as he was with grief conse-
quent upon separation from his dear one, was again over-
whelmed with a terrible grief after causing sorrow unto his
brother. Sunk in the abyss of grief, Rama, sighing hot and
weeping piteously, spoke unto Lakshmana who was equally
aggrieved, words worthy of being said on that occasion.
^'Methinks there is none other on this earth like me, the
perpetrator of vicious crimes. My heart or soul is not
riven though crushed again and again without respite
with a multitude of doleful events. Surely did I per-
petrate many a vicious deed in my previous birth, the
fruit of which I do now suffer and in consequence where-
of misfortune after misfortune hath befallen me. Coming
within the compass of my remembrance, the loss of
my kingdom, the death of my father, the separation of my
mother and other kinsmen culminates my grief. Repairing
unto woods, O Lakshmana, in Siti^s company my grief was
assuaged, nay I did not suffer physical affliction even. With-
out Sit^ these sorrows have grown anew like unto fire
flaming again by means of fuel. Truly my wife, timid as she
is, bath been carried away by a Rakshasa by the etherial
track. Alas I doubtless it is, that one of pleasant accents,
wept piteously out of fear many a time and oft. For certain
my dear wife's breast round and sprinkled as it was with
red sandal paste, was bathed in blood (while devoured by
the R&kshasas) — but there is no death for me. That
countenance the beauty of which was enhanced by a
head of curly hair and which used to emit forth tender,
soft and clear accents, hath become pale, being taken
possession of by the R^kshasas like unto the Moon almost
devoured by RSLhu. Surely have the Rakshasas subsisting
on gore drunk her blood in the sky tearing of! the neck

656 rImXvana.

of my dear one ever devoted to pious observances. Surely
did that one of beautifully expansive eyes cry aloud
poorly like unto a hind when she was drawn hither and
thither by the Rakshasas encircling her in the forest in my
absence. O Lakshmana, sitting at the foot of this hill with
me that large-hearted, pious Sita, of smilling countenance,
used to address thee on many a topic. This is Godavari,
the best of rivers, my dear wife took delight in her —
has she gone there ? — But she never goes there alone. Or has
Janaki having eyes resembling lotus-petals hath gone to bring
lotuses ? But how is that possible, she never goes without
me to bring lotuses. Hath she entered at her pleasure
this forest filled with many flowery trees and diverse birds ?
But that is not possible too — she is timid and feareth much
to enter alone in this forest. O Aditya, knowest thoir the
pious and vicious actions of men ; beareth thou testimony to
the truth and untruth of their actions — do thou tell me, pray,
who am striken with grief, whither hath my dear one
repaired, or whether hath she been killed ? O Air, there
is nothing on earth which is not within the compass of
thy vision, do thou relate unto me whether Sita preserving
the fame of my ancestry, hath been killed or carried away
or if she waiteth on the way." After R2ima had bewailed
thus being beside himself with grief, Saumitri, ever treading
the right path and not of poorly mind spoke words worthy
of being said on that occasion. — "Do thou take heart renounc*
ing thy grief and engage with energy in quest of SitL
Persons of high energy are never exhausted on the earth
even in the face of arduous works." The highly powerful
Lakshmana having spoken thus being afflicted with grief,
Rama, the best of Raghu's descendants, did not consider that
worth pondering over. Renouncing patience he again in-
dulged in excessive grief.

ARAAVAKINDAM. 657

SECTION LXIV

»*^*'

Jl1;AMA stricken with grief spake ulito Lakshmana the
following piteous words saying, '*0 Lakshmana, do thou
speedily repair to the river GodSveri and learn if SitJL hath
gone there to fetch lotuses." Being thus addressed by Rama,
the quick-paced Lakshmana went to the pleasant stream
Godaveri. Reconnoitering full well the river containing
many a watering-place Lakshmana spake unto Rima saying,
"Searched have I all the watering-places but have found
her nowhere— anon I cried aloud but she did not hear.
I cannot trace whither hath Vaidehi of slender waist re-
paired ever assuaging our mental affliction." Hearing
Lakshmana's words, R^ma, aggrieved and overwhelmed with*
sorrow repaired in person to the river GodSLveri. Arriving
there cried he "Where is Sitat" Neither did the
world of creatures nor the river GodSLveri apprise RSLma
of Sita's being carried away by the Lord of Rikshasas
worthy of being slain. Thinking of the terrible figure and
monstrous actions of that vicious-souled R^vana, that river
did not dare relate unto him anything about Sit§, albeit
appointed by the creatures to relate the story concerning her
and accosted by RStma in piteous accents. Being thus dis-
appointed by the river in beholding Sit5, Rama racked with
her separation spake unto Lakshmana saying "O thou of
auspicious looks, this river Godavari doth give no reply. But
O Lakshmana, returning without her what shall I say unto
Janaka and Vaidehi's mother? Where hath that Vaidehi
gone who used to assuage my grief who had been deprived
of kingdom and living in this forest on wild fruits
and vegetables ? Nights shall appear too long unto me,
keeping late hours being deprived of my kinsmen''and
relatives and not beholding Vaidehi. I can range this

658 rXmXvana.

Mandakini, this Janasthana and this Pasrabana hill if I can
find Sita there. Behold, O hero, the high deer have been
casting their looks again and again at men ; methinks from
their gestures, they intend speaking something uoto me.**
Beholding them, RSghava, the best of men, looked at them
and said in accents choked with vapour — **Where is Sit&t"
Being thus addressed by that Lord of men the deer rose up
all on a sudden and looked up to the sky facing the
south and proceeded to the direction by which Maithili
had been carried away. And moving by that way these deer
eyed the Lord of men and again and again fixed their
looks upon that way and earth and passed along emitting
cries which was marked by Lakshmana. He marked with
attention their movements and cries and spake unto his elder
brother like one aggrieved saying — "Being accosted by thee
with — *\Vhere is Sita?' these deer have stood up all on
a sudden and have been pointing to the south and earth —
let us therefore proceed in this direction — it may be that
we shall either meet with that worshipful madam or find
some mementos concerning her.'* Thereat K&kuthstha, gifted
with supreme beauty, proceeded towards the south being
followed by Lakshmana and casting his look upon the earth.
While proceeding thus, conversing with each other the two
brothers beheld some flowers scattered on the high-way.

Beholding a collection of flowers scattered on earth, Rftma,
exceedingly sorry, spake unto Lakshmana in piteous accents
saying "O Lakshmana, I have come to know that these are the
flowers of the forest I gave Vaidehi ; with these she decorated
her hair. Methinks the sun, the air and the famed
earth have preserved them for my well-being." Having
spoken these words unto Lakshmana, the best of meOj the
virtuous-souled RSima, of mighty arms, addressed the moun*
tain in front of him containing many fountains, s<iying— "0
thou the best of mountains, hast thou beheld in this picture-
sque forest-land, that exquisitely fine damsel Jacked with

A RA NFA KA NDA M. 659

my separation ?" Exceedingly wroth he accosted the
mountain like unto a lion addresing a little deer, saying
"Show me my graceful Sita hued like gold before I crush
down thy summits.'^ Being thus addressed by Rama on
Maithili's account the mountain did not show him SitS.
Again addressed him RSima — **Thou shalt by the fire of my
arrows, be reduced to ashes — thy twigs and leaves shall be
totally destroyed and no one shall resort to thee. O
Lakshmana, I shall dry up this river Godavari if it telleth me
not about SitS having a moon-like countenance." Rama,
exceedingly wroth, cast his looks around as if desiring to
burn everything with his eyes and beheld footprints of the
RSikshasas on the earth as well as those of Sita moving
wildly hither and thither, terrified and desirous to see Rama,
while pursued by the RSkshasas. Beholding these footmarks,
the snapped bow, the quiver and the chariot broken into many-
pieces, Rama, terrified spake unto his dear brother. "Behold
O, Lakshmana, the remnants of Vaidehi's golden ornaments,
strewn hither and thither, and diverse garlands. Behold O
Saumitri, the earth covered with drops of blood resembling
golden drops. Methinks, O Lakshmana, Vaidehi hath been
devoured by the RSikshasas assuming shapes at will, having
sundered her in pieces. O Saumitri, there took place a terrible
conflict between the Rakshasas, fighting with each other on
Site's account. O gentle one, whose is this snapped bow
lying on the breast of the earth adorned and crested with
pearls and diamonds ? O brother, this belongs either to the
celestials or to the Rakshasas. Whose is this golden armour
lying shattered on earth, resembling the newly risen sun. in
color and adorned with sapphire ? Whose is this umbrella
lying broken on earth, containing a hundred rod and
adorned with celestial garlands ? In whose conflict have these
terrible asses, of large proportions, having faces of demon
and with breast plates, been killed ? Whose is this shattered
war-car lying upset on the ground and broken flag resembling

66o [.RXmAFANA,

in lustre the burning gold ? Whose are these terrible
arrows feathered in gold, measuring four-hundred fingers,
lying without blades on earth? Behold, O Lakshmana, these
two quivers have been totally spoiled though filled with arrows.
Whose charioteer is this who hath been killed with reins
and lash in hands ? These foot-marks must be some
Rikshasa's. I made these RSikshasas my fatal enemies,
assuming shapes at will and of crooked hearts. Poor SitS
must have been either dead, carried away by them or devoured.
Virtue did not save her from being carried away in this
mighty forest. O Lakshmana, while virtue did not protect
Janaki being devoured or taken away by stealth, what person
else gifted with heavenly power, on this earth shall bring
about my well-being ? For this it is that people through
ignorance disregard the ever kind Almighty — the lord of crea-
tures and the best of the celestials. Truly shall the celestials
regard me as one devoid of prowess, who am mild-tempereil,
kind, ever engaged in the welfare of the humanity, and have
controlled all my senses. Observe, O Lakshmana, obtaining
me as the stay these accomplishments have been turned
into so many blemishes. Truly shall my prowess manifest
itself to-day overshadowing all my other accomplishments
for the . destruction of the R&kshasas and all created
beings like unto the rising of the Sun casting the Moon into
shade on the day of dissolution. None shall enjoy felicity,
O Lakshmana, — Yakshas, Gandharbas, Pigachas, Rakshasas,
Kinnaras, or human beings. Today shall the welkin be
filled up with my arrows. Motionless shall I make all the
animals inhabiting the three worlds. I shall arrest the move-
ment of the planets and overshadow the Moon. Stopping
the course of the wind and destroying the rays of the Sun
and fire I shall envelope the earth with darkness, crush down
the summits of the mountains, dry up the pools, blow up the
creepers, demolish the Ocean and erradicate the trees. If
the celestials do not give me back my Sit§ I shall bring

ARANFAKANDAM, 66 1

about the dissolution of the tliree worlds which would else
have been wrought by time. O son of SumitrS, instantly
shall the celestials headed by Indra, meet with my prowess,
if they do not give back my Sita, ever advancing my
wellfare. None shall be able to range the welkin. Behold
O Lakshmana, being perpetually crushed down by my
arrow's shot off my bow, the world shall be disturbed and
dislodged and the animals and birds shall be confused and
destroyed. Stretching the bow to my ears I shall make the
world^ for SitSl's sake, void of Pisachas and Rakshasas with
my arrows incapable of being withstood by created beings.
To-day shall the celestials behold the power of my arrows
coursing a long distance shot through my ire. Three
worlds destroyed on account of my wrath, celestials,
Danavas, Pisachas or RSkshasas^ — none shall be saved. The
dwellings of the celestials, Asuras, Yakshas and RSikshasas
shall fall down sundered by my arrows into diverse pieces.
I shall dislodge the whole world by my arrows. If the
celestials do not give me back my Vaidehi dead or carried
away or as she was before, I shall destroy the whole
world mobile or immobile and disturb all with my arrows
until I see her." Having spoken thus, Rlma, with his eyes
reddened with ire and lips swollen, tying fast his bark and
deer-skin, braided his matted locks. Having done this, being
exceedingly wroth he looked like Rudra about to destroy
Tripura. Thereat taking his bow from Lakshmana and
holding it fast, the effulgent Rama, the conqueror of foes,
fixed flaming arrows to it like so many serpents and said
being exercised with ire like unto fire on the eve of disso-
lution.— "O Lakshmana none shall be able to withstand
ine, who am inflamed with rage, as debility consequent
on old age, death, time, duty are incapable of being averted
from their destined ends by the animals. I shall bring about
a mighty revolution in the world containing the celestials
GandharbaSi human beings, Pannagas and the mountains, if I

6f2 RXMAVANA.

io not get back, in her pristine beauty, my SitS, the daughter
of the King of MithilS/'

SECTION LXV.

JXama highly aggrieved on account of Sit&'s being carried
away, addressing himself to destroy the world like' unto the
(ire of dissolution and casting his look, sighing again and
again, upon the stringed bow like unto Mahadev desirons
of burning down the whole world at the time of dissolution,
Lakshmana, having his countenance dried up, beholding his
rage not seen before, began with folded bands — "Ere this
thou hadst been gentle, self-controlled and engaged in the
welfare of all beings. It doth not behove thee now to
renounce thy natural temper being influenced by ire. Ever
manifested itself in thee, glory par excellence like unto
splendour in the Moon, lustre in the Sun, motion in the wind
and forgiveness in the Earth. It becometh thee not to de-
vastate the whole world for the crime of an individual being.
Methinks for certain, this shattered car must be the property
of an individual person, not of many. But I do not know
whose is this car with yokes and dresses and what for it
hath been shattered ? Behold, O thou the son of a King,
this terrible spot bathed in blood and raked with hoofs and
wheels. Surely here took place a conflict. O thou the fore-
most of those skilled in speech, it appearcth from these signs
that this skrimish did take place with one, not with two.
Here are not to be seen the fool-marks of a large army. It
therefore doth not behove thee to destroy the whole world
for one's individual offence. Kings, gentle and mild by
nature, do always administer punishment, proportionate to the
amount of ofTence. Thou art always the stay and the best
rcfujje of all animals. Who shall think well, O RSghava, of

ARANVAKANDAM, 663

the destruction of thy wife ? The celestials, Danavas,
Gandharbhas, rivers, seas, and mountains — none can act un-
friendly by thee as the learned priests cannot act improperly
towards those initiated by them. It is thy duty, O king, with
bow in hand to search out the person who hath carried away
Sits, along with me and the devotees. Explore shall we, with
great care, the seas, the forest, the mountains, the fearful caves,
the pools and the abodes of the celestials and Gandharbas
until we find out the person who hath carried away thy wife.
If the celestials do not return thee peacefully thy wife, O
Lord cf Ko^ala, thou shalt adopt measures, befitting
the occassion. Thou shalt then uproot the whole world, O
lord of men, with thy gold-featherd arrows resembling the
thunderbolt of Mahendra,if thou dost not come by thy wife by
resorting to good conduct, self-control, lowliness and polity.*'

SECTION LXVI.

Xi;AMA bewailing thus like one helpless being stricken with
grief, overwhelmed with sorrow and losing control over him-
self, Lakshmana touched his feet and consoling him instantly
began : — "By constant asceticism and manifold pious observ-
ances king Da^aratha obtained thee like unto the celestials
obtaining anibrosia. As I have heard from Bharata, king
Da^aratha died for thy separation, attached as he was unto
thee for thy accomplishments. O Kakuthstha, if dost thou
not bear patiently this impending peril what little-minded
person else shall bear it? Compose thyself, O thou best of
men. Peril overtaketh every body like unto fire but vanish-
cth in no time. This is the nature of men. Yayati, the son
of king Nahusha, though attained to the state of celestials,
was however thrown down for an iniquitous deed. The
hundred sons, that had been born unto our ancestral pritst

664 RlRJlrANA.

Vasishtha, were all killed in one day. O lord of Ko^ala, even
Vasumati, the mother of the world, adored of all beings,
meeteth with mesery consequent upon earth-quake. Even
the mighty Sun and Moon witness eclipse who are the eyes
of the world and the very images of virtue and in whom
the whole world is stationed. O thou best of men^ what of
insignificant beings cased in this frail body, even the mighty
creatures and celestials are subject to the influence of
destiny. I have heard, O best of men, even the celestials
headed by Indra are subject to happiness or misery. So
it doth not behove thee to bewail thus. O descendant of
Raghujit becometh thee not to lament like an ordinary person
even if jSnaki is dead or hath been carried away. O Rftma,
persons, highly experienced and ascertaining right or wrong
without being moved, do not lament even in the face of
mighty perils. O thou best of men, do thou, after due consi-
deration, ascertain what is proper or improper ; persons of
thy vast wisdom are cognizant of the right or wrong by diot
of their understanding. Without proper exercise, actions, of
unknown merit and uncertain issue do not bear fruits. 0
hero, many a time and oft ere this, thou hadst given me the
self-same counsel. Who is capable of counselling thee who
art the very preceptor of the gods f O thoii of great intellect,
even the celestials cannot measure thy mental acumen.
Greatly benumbed is thy wisdom with the slumber of grief,
and J am to rouse it. O thou the best of Ikshakus, do thou
engage in the destruction of thy foes considering well thy
celestial and human prowess. O thou best of men, what
necessity hast thou to destroy the whole world ? Do thou
rescue Sit§ after finding out thy vicious enemy."

JLRANFAKINDAM. 665

SECTION LXVII.

jtX.FTER Lakshmana had spoken these highly sound and
pleasant words, RSma, ever taking to what is sound, accepted
them. Thereupon that one, of mighty arms, slaking his
flaming ire and reclining himself upon his beautiful bow,
addressed Lakshmana, saying, "Do thou ponder over, O
brother, where shall we repair, what shall we do and by what
means shall we come by Sita ?" Whereto Lakshmana replied
saying unto the highly aggrieved Rama, *'It is proper for
thee to search this JanasthSLna filled with a multitude of
Rikshasas and covered with diverse trees and creepers.
Here are many strongholds in the midst of mountains, clefts
of rocks, many caves and numerous cavities filled with various
animals. Many are the abodes here belonging to the
Kinnaras and Gandharbas. Do thou, along with me, search
all these places. Great men, of thy calibre, do remain un-
agitated even in the midst of difficulties like unto mountains
never shaken by the velocity of the wind." Hearing these
words, Rama, enraged, fixing sharp and terrible arrows to his
bow, began to range the forest with Lakshmana. Thereupon
he beheld, fallen on ground, having his person bathed in blood,
the king of birds — YatSyu, resembling a mountain peak, and
spake unto Lakshmana, saying ''It is clear and beyond all
doubt that Vaidehi hath bepn devoured by this Rakshasa, as-
suming the shape of a vulture and ranging the forest. This
Rakshasa hath been reposing at ease after devouring that
one of expansive eyes ; I shall kill him with terrible straight-
coursing arrows, having flaming points." Fixing sharpened
shafts to his bow, Rama, enraged, darted towards the vulture,
as if moving the sea-girt earth. Vomitting frothy blood
YatSyu, the king of vultures, spoke unto Rama, the son
of Da^aratha, saying 'O thou of long life, that goddess,

(66 SlMlYANA.

whom thou hast been searching in this vast forest like unto
Oshadht\ and my life have been carried away by R2lvana. I
saw her, O Righava, carried away stealthily by the powerful
RSivana, in thy absence as well as that of Lakshmana. Myself
Hearing SitS, for her rescue, O Lord, Rftvana was thrown down
On earth by me in conflict having his car and unbrella shatter*
ed. This is his snapped bow and these are his broken shaftd<
And this is his war-car, O Rlma, shattered in fight. This
\t his charioteer lying On earth being killed by the velocity
of my wings. Having sundered my wings with his dagger,
Ifvhd had been exhausted, RSvana taking SitSL^ rose high up
in the welkin. It behoveth thee not to kill me who had been
tvounded before by the R&kshasa." Hearing from him
pleasant words relating to SitS, R&ma^ leaving aside, instant'*
ly, his mighty bow, embraced him^ and rolling on earth
having lost self-control through grief, began to lament with
Lakshmana. Though highly . composed by nature, he was
dverwhelmed with doubled grief. And beholding YatSyu,
sigh again and again and breathing with difficulty in a helpless
plight, RSima, highly aggrieved, spake unto Lakshmana saying,
•'I have lost my kingdom and have been living in this forest.
My Sita hath been carried away and this bird hath been
killed (on my account) — This misfortune of mine can burn
even the very fire. If for assuaging my grief I do enter the
mighty ocean, verily shall that misfortune dry up even that
lord of rivers. There is none so unfortunate as I, throughout
this earth, mobile or immobile, and it is for this bad luck
that I have confronted this mighty disaster. This mighty
king of vultures is our father's friend and he lieth on earth,
killed through the evil turn of my fortune." Uttering these
and various other words, Rftghava, along with Lakshmana
touched his body manifesting his paternal affection. Em-
bracing the king of vultures, bathed in blOod, having its
wiiigscut off, R&ghava, fell on the ground, exclaiming 'where
hath Maithilee gone like unto my life ?'

iRANFAKlNDAM. 667

SECTION LXVIII.

•EHOLDING YatSyu fallen on the ground by the terrible
Rjikshasa, RSma spoke unto Lakshmana, having compassion
for all| saying '*Verily for my service this bird hath breathed
its last, being killed by the RSikshasa. O Lakshmana, its
voice hath been enfeebled, its vision weakened and its life,
greatly exhausted, lieth in a .very little proportion in its
body. May good betide thee, O YatSyu ; if thou art capable
ai speaking again, do thou relate how SitS hath been carried
away and thou hast been killed. Why hath R^vana taken
away by stealth the worshipful jSnakif What offence did
I commit by him that he hath carried away my dear one?
O thou best of birds, how looked the moon-like, pleasant
countenance of Sita at the time of her being carried away ?
What did she speak then ? What is the prowess, appearance
and action of that Rikshasa? Where doth he live,
O reverend Sir? Pray tell me, I do ask thee." Beholding
RSLma^ lament like one helpless, the virtuous-souled YatSiyu
spake in faltering accents — ''Sit5 hath been carried away
by Ravana, the lord of R^kshasas, creating a mighty illusion
producing wind and showers. O darling, myself being worn
oat that night-ranger, having sundered my wings, fled away
with Sit2 to the southerly direction. O R§ghava, my life is
about to expire, my eye-sight hath grown of mistaken
perception, I see trees before me made of gold having hair
resembling Ushtra,* Rlvana hath taken away Sit& at a
moment when a person regains soon his lost property. O
Kakuthstha, this moment is called Vindya^^ which R&vana

* Andro|iogon muricatum — (Lat). The root of a fragrant grass. This
allades to a terrible Tision which is generally seen by a person on the eve of
death— a gcddaa tree having hair.-^T.

t This refers to Jatdyu^s astrological knowledge. Vindya is derived from
tlie root Kuf— io gain. Thus this moment is favourable to the loser and un-

663 RlMlYANA,

hath not been able to perceive. (At this moment) the person
who taketh away (a thing) is soon destroyed like uoto a fish
devouring a hook. Do not therefore entertain the least doubt
about thy coming by J^naki. Destroying him at the head
of the battle thou shalt soon sport with Vaidehi." There-
upon flesh and gore began to come out of the mouth of
Yat5yu, the king of vultures, not loosing his sense even
while treading the verge of death.Thereupon the king of birds
gave up his dear life uttering only. — "R&vana is the son
of Vishrava and brother to Vaishravana (the lord of wealth)."
Rama again and again addressed him with joined palms saj
ing, *'Do thou speak ! Do thou speak." And instantly Yatftyu's
vital spark rose up in the sky, leaving his bodily frame. There-
upon the king of vultures fell down on the earth by
stretching forth his legs, body and head on the ground.
Beholding the vulture dead, of huge proportions, resembling
a hill and having red eyes, RSLma, aggrieved, spoke pite-
ously unto Saumitri, saying — "Living happily, for years,
in this forest of Dandaka inhabited by the Rakshasas, Yatlyu
hath, at last, given up his life. He lived for a long time, o(
an uplifted person, and hath now laid low on the earth.
None can withstand the course of destiny. Observe, 0

•

Lakshmana, this vulture for my benefaction, hath been killed*
by the powerful RSivana in his attempt to rescue Sit9L. For
me, hath this Lord of birds, breathed his last, renouncing his
large ancestral kingdom. In every status of animal creationi
the heroic, the righteous and the honest, affording refuge
unto all, are to be found, even amongst the birds. I do not
feel so much affliction, O hero, for Site's ravishment as I
'do for this vulture, who hath been killed for me. Like unto
the highly famous, effulgent king Da9aratha, this King of
of birds is worthy of being adored and worshipped by me.
O Saumitri, do thou bring fuels ; I shall produce fire there-

favourable to the taker. Heoce Ravana carrying awaj SiU at this oioOMSt
f hall meet with destruction. — T.

with and burn the dead body of this king of birds who hath
been killed on my account. Placing on a funeral pile, I
shall cremate, O Saumitri, the dead body of this king of birds
who hath been destroyed by the grim-visaged Rakshasas.
Being consecrated and commanded by me, do thou, O highly
powerful king of birds, attain to that excellent state of
existence, which is reached by persons ever performing pious
observances, by Ahitagnis* by heroes who are not afraid
of entering a battle-field and by persons who confer grants
of land." Saying this the virtuous-souled RSma, afflicted
with sorrow, burned the body of the king of birds, placing
it on the funeral pile, like unto his own kinsman. Entering
the forest with Saumitri, R5ma gifted with prowess, killed
plump high deer and stretched forth grass and twigs for
offering oblation to that bird. Taking off the flesh of those
high deer and clustering it, Rama, of great renown, offered it
to the vultures in that pleasant forest-land, abounding in
green grass. Thereupon for his speedy arrival at the abode of
celestials, R2ima recited those Mantras which are being
uttered by the twice-born ones. Afterwards repairing to the
river Gadaveri the two princes offered water unto that kingly
vulture. And offering water unto him according to the
prescribed rites of the Sastras^ those two descendants of
Raghu, after bathing, performed the Udaka t ceremony for
that king of vultures. Having been* killed in battle for an
arduous but glorious work, that king of vultures, consecrated
by the ascetic-like R&ma, attained to an excellent state.
Having performed the Udaka ceremony for that best of birds
and considering him in the light of a father they went away
and entered the forest in quest of Sita like unto the two
best of celestials — ^Visnu and Vasava.

• A Brahman who has preserved a sacred fire kept alive perpetually in a
family, &c.,— from ahita — placed, agni — fire. — T.

* Presentation of water specially to the manes as a religious or obsequa)
rite. — ^T. «

CjQ KlUlYANA.

SECTION LXIX.

AViNGoffered him the gift of water, those two descen-
dants of Raghu wended their way in that forest in quest of
Sita and proceeded towards the south-west.* Then turning to
the south, with how and arrows in hand, they reached a track
not wended by the people. It was a ghastly, impenetrable
forest, covered on all sides with groves, trees and creepers.
Proceeding by the southerly direction, those two mightj
ones, passed hastily by that terrible, dreary forest. There-
upon, the highly effulgent descendants of Raghu entered the
dense forest of KraunchUy situated at a distance of six miles
from Janasthana. It was a dense forest like unto a collec-
tion of clouds, as if smiling on all sides blooming with
charming flowers of diverse hues and frequented by various
animals and birds. Waiting for sometime here and there
they, exercised with SitSi's ravishment, explored the entire
forest in quest of Vaidehi. Proceeding three Krosas towards
the East and passing by the forest of Krauncha the two
brothers descried on their way the asylum of Matanga.
Having seen that dreary forest frequented by various
animals and birds and covered with diverse trees and dense
groves, the two sons of Da9aratha beheld a cave in the
mountain, deep as the region under the earth and ever
enveloped with darkness. Arriving there they espictd kanl
by a grimvisaged RSlkshasi, having a formidable figure^
ever causing fright unto persons of feeble courage, loathe*
some, terrible-looking, having a huge belly, thaqpened
teeth, a high person and rough skin, devouring voracioM
animals and looking fearful with dishevelled hair. Beholding
there the two broUiers, RAma and Lakshmanai she neaied
the heroes and saying, ' come, we shall sport ' assailed

* In this Sloka wtit is meoti^atd and in the nest one tksn is
to their turning to the tcuth and tieiiQt «^ here refers to sovth-wMiri— T.

iRANrAKXNDAM. 671

Lakshmana who had been going before his brother. And
embracing him she spake unto Saumitri the following
words :— **'My name is Ayomukhee ; it is a great gain to
the^ that thou hast become my beloved one, O my lord. Do
thou sport with me^ for ever, O hero, in these mountainous
strongholds and On the banks of the rivers." Thereat, exer-
cised with ire, Lakshmana^ the subduer of foes, uplifting his
dagger, chopped off her nose, ears and breast. Having her
nose and ears cut off, that terrible-looking Rakshasi, emitting
fearful cries, fled away whence she had come. On her depar-
ture, proceeding quickly, the two brothers, RSlma and Laksh-
ttiana, the conquerors of foes, reached a dense forest. There-
upon the highly effulgent and truthful Lakshmana, possessing
a pure character, spake, with folded hands, unto his brother of
flaming energy — "My left arm is throbbing, my mind is fillled
with anxiety and I perceive before me many a bad omen. Do
thou put on thy habiliments, O worshipful one, and act by
what I say for thy well-being. Methinks from these bad
omens some calamity shall soon befall us. O R&ma, this
terrible bird Banchulaka is emitting fearful cries as if
announcing our victory in the conflict." Thereupon while
they began to explore the entire forest with their prowess
there arose a terrible sound as if breaking down the wood.
The forest was enveloped on all sides with a mighty wind
and everywhere was audible a roar filling the wood-land.
With a view to ascertain whence the sound proceeded,
Rftma, with a dagger in hand, along with his younger brother^
espied a R&kshasha of huge proportions, having big thighs.
The two brothers beheld that Rakshasa stationed before
them, having a huge body, devoid of head and neck and
therefore a headless demon and having its mouth on its
belly. Its body resembled a huge mountain and was covered
with sharpened down ; its look was terrible like unto sable
cloud and its roar resembled the muttering where of. Its
one terrible, expansive ^ye, seeing all, was on ^the fore-

672 RAmXYANA.

head placed on its breast and shone forth like unto the
flaming fire and it had huge yellow eye-lashes. Its month
was greatly widened and covered with rows of huge teeth
and it was again and again licking that terrible mouth. And
stretching forth its two huge arms extending over s,yojAH£
it was devouring bears, lions and deer. It was catching and
throwing with its huge hands many an animal, bird and bear.
Hindering the way-fare it was awaiting those two brothers.
And proceeding a Krosa^ they espied that fearful, grim-visag-
edj headless demon, hindering all creatures with its arms,
terrible-looking and appearing like a kavanda from its very
situation. Thereupon that one, of huge arms, stretching
them forth, got hold of those two descendants of Raghu
crushing them with its strength. Those two highly
powerful brothers, of mighty arms, with daggers and
bows in their hands/ were assailed and got l.old of by that
Rakshasha. Rima was heroic and patient by nature and
consequently was not much afflicted ; but Lakshmana was a
mere boy and impatient by nature and was consequently
greatly afflicted. Being greatly distressed, the younger
brother of R^ghava spake unto him, saying "Do thou behold
me, O hero, brought under the hold of this R&kshasha, and
re-nouncing me only, O RSghava, do thou get thyself off.
And offering me as sacrifice, do thou escape at thy ease.
Methinks for certain, O Kikuthstha, thou shalt soon comebj
Vaidehi and regain thy anscestral kingdom. But remember
me always, O R^ma, when thou shalt find thyself placed on the
throne." Being thus addressed by Lakshmana, Rftma spake
unto Saumilri — 'Tear not in vain, O heroj persons of Ihj
prowess are never afflicted (with fear\" Meanwhile the
wicked headless, demon, of huge arms, the foremost o(
Dinaves, addressed the two brothers RSLma and Lakshmana
— "Who are ye two youthful figures having the neck of f
bull and with mighty daggers and bows in your hands?
.\rriving in tliis fearful place ye have by chance come within

iRANYAKlNDAM. 673

the compass of my vision. Tell me now what have ye to
do here, and what for have ye come ? I have been waiting
here being hungry, and ye have come here having daggers
and bows with arrows in your hands like unto two oxen
having sharpened horns. Nearing me quickly, it will be
hard for ye to draw your vital breath." Hearing those
words of the vicious-souled Kavandha^ Rama having his
countenance dried up, bespake Lakshmana — '*0 thou,
having truth for thy prowess, again and again, greater and
worse calamities have been threatening us. We have
ah'eady met with a dire disaster leading to our death, conse-
quent on my separation from my dear one. Mighty is the
course of Destiny in all creatures, O Lakshmana. Do thou
O best of men, behold even thyself and nve stricken with
calamity. But O Lakshmana it is not very difficult for
destiny to afflict all creatures. Under the influence of
destiny even the mighty heroes, well habited in armours
are distressed like unto a bridge of sands." Addressing
these words unto Saumitri, the resolute, powerful and highly
famous son of Dayaratha, having truth for his prowess, com-
posed himself by dint of his own understanding.

SECTION LXX.

JOEHOLDING both the brothers, Rtma and Lakshmana,
clasping each other with their arms, the headless demon
spake : — "O two best of Kshatryas, are ye waiting here
beholding me hungry ? O ye having lost your sense, ye have
been chosen by Destiny as my food." Hearing those words
Lakshmana, sore distressed and determined to dieplay his
valour, addressed RSima with words worthy of being said on
that occasion. ''This vile Rakshasa shall seize both of us ;
let us sunder soon its two huge arms with our daggers.

674 RlMlYANA.

This grim-visaged R^kshasa^ of huge proportions, gifted onlj
with the strength of arms, defeating all other persons, hath
addressed itself at last to destroy us. It is odious for the
Kshatryas to n^ake away with those who cannot defend
themselves like unto animals brought for sacrifice."* Hear-
ing their conversation, the R&kshasa, inflamed with rage,
widening its terrible mouthi prepared to devour them
up.t Thereat RSLma and Lakshmana, cognizant of time and
place, pleased,]: sundered its arms off its shoulders with
their daggers. RSima, stationed on the right side§ cut off in
no time its right arm with his dagger and the heroic
Lakshmana, the left one. Having got its arms dissevered, the
terrible-voiced, Kavandha^ of huge arms,roaring like unto the
muttering of clouds and resounding the heaven, earth and
all the quarters, fell flat on the ground. Beholding both its
arms cut off, the demon, with its person bathed in blood,
asked them poorly — " Who are ye f" Being thus accosted b/
Kavandha^ the mighty Lakshmana, gifted with auspicious
marks, spake unto it, about KSlkuthstha. ''He is a descendant
of the Ikshwakus known on earth by the name of Rlma, and
know me as his younger brother, by name — Lakshmana.
Being thwarted by mother (Kaikeyi) in his accession of
kingdom, he, renouncing all, hath fied as an exile unto woodSi
and hath, along with me and his spouse, been ranging this
forest. While living in the dense forest the wife of Rftma,
effulgent like unto the celestials hath been ravished by a
RSlkshasa. Searching her, have we come here. Who art

* The purport i> : — "Lakshmana wanted to chop off the arms of
and not to put aft end to its life as it was not capable of fighting, beiaf a
headless demon. And it is not proper for the Kshatryas to destroy tboM vfci
cannot fight. — ^T.

t This has a special significance here-Hneaniag to get hoM of than If
stx etching forth its arms.«— T.

X They were pleased because they cut off its arms with cms liln fnto tht
trunks of a plantain tree. — T.

% It may mean also txptrt.^-^T.

iRANYARlNDAM. ^75

thou ? And what for art thou ranging this forest like unto
a headless demon, having thy thighs broken and thy flaming
face placed on thy breast ?'* Being thus addressed by
Lakshm^na with these goodly words, Kavandha^ pleased,
recollecting the words of Indra, bespake him, — "O two best
of men, ye are welcome ! By my good luck it is that I do
behold you. By my good fortune ye have dissevered my
shoulders to-day. Do ye hear. I shall relate truly unto you
how have I, by my haughtiness, come by this unsightly shape."

SECTION LXXI.

MIGHTY armed RSma of great prowess, formerly my
beauty, beyond conception, was known all over the three
worlds, like unto the beauty of the Sun, the Moon and Indra.
I used to frighten everywhere the ascetics living in the forest
by turning this my beauty into a terrific form. Once
on a time assuming this terrible shape I assaileil and
enraged the great ascetic Sthulaskira collecting diverse
wild fruits. Thereupon he imprecated curses upon mc,
sayrng "Do thou retain this ghastly shape hated of all
mankind." Upon my praying unto that angry ascetic for
my relief from that curse, he said — **Thou shalt regain thy
stalwart and beautiful shape when thou shalt be burnt by
lUma in a dense forest having got thy arms dissevered by
him. P Lakshmana, know me to be the beautiful son of
Danu. Through Indra's curse in the battle field I have been
metamorphosed into my present shape. After I had pleased
him with hard austerites, the Grand-Father of the celestials
conferred on me a long life. And therefore I was inflamed with
pride and assailed Indra in a conflict, thinking within me«
*I have gained a long life — what can Indra d6 m«?' There-
upon by bis thunderbolt, having hundred edge?, httried

67^ J^AmAFANJ.

off his hands, my thighs were shattered and my head
thrusted into my body. Myself praying for the close of my
life, he did not despatc^h me to the abode of Yama. He only
said **May the words of tlie Grand Sire prove true/* Where-
to I replied * How shall I live long without any food, being
smitten by thee having a thunderbot in thy hand, and having
my head, thighs and mouth crushed down ? ' Thereat Indra
made my hands extending over a Yajana and placed my
mouth, having sharpened teeth, on my belly. Thenceforth,
stretching out my long arms I used to devour all lions,
tigers, wolves and deer ranging the forest. Indra said
to me, 'Thou shalt attain to heaven when RSLma, along with
Lakshmana, shall cut off thy arms in a battle.' Acting
under the conviction that R§ma, resolved to destroy
my person, shall surely come within the compass of my arms,
I do always assail with relish, O worshipful one, O thou
best of kings, every animal I meet with in this forest. Thou
art that Rama. May good betide thee, O Rftghava. Verily
did the great ascetic speak unto me that none should be
able to assail me but Rama. Being cremated by you, I shall
counsel you best and tell you with whom you should
contract friendship." Being thus addressed by Danu, the
virtuous-souled Raghava spake before listening Lakshmana,
"My renowned spouse Siia was easily ravished by RSvana
after I had gone out of Janasthana along with my brother.
I know that Rakshasa's name only — but do not know his
whereabouts, his figure and his prowess. It behoveth thee
to show proper compassion for us, who have been stricken
with grief, who are helpless, have been ranging this forest
in this WrTy and are ever engaged in the well-being of
others.* O, hero, we shall burn thee after collecting all the

* This Sloka may be rendered in another way: — Dp thoa continue btai-
fiiting- us by showing proper compassion for us, who are stricken with gtMf
helpless and ranging the forest in this way. We hare however adopted
the commentator Ramanuya's szp1anat2bn.«— T.

IRANVAKUXDAM. 6r7

•

branches that have been broken down by the elephants and
dried up in time, and digging a big trench. Do thou tell us
who hath carried away Sita ? And where ? If dost thou know
it truly do thou perform us this good service/' Thereat
the Rakshasa, skilled in speech, spake unto Raghava, address-
ing him thus — **I am not gifted with divine fore-sight and
therefore do not know where Maithilee is. I shall let you
know of him who shall be able to tell you all about her,
after I resume my original shape, being burnt (by thee). I
shall furthermore tell thee, O Rama, who knows that
RSkshasa. Without being burnt I am incapable of being
cognizant of that highly powerful Rakshasa who hath carried
away thy Sita. By the influence of curse, I have lost my
fore-sight and by my own improper actions I have been
transformed into this ugly figure. Do thou cremate me
according to the prescribed rites after throwing me into the
ditch before the sun, with his worn out carriers descends into
the western horizon. Being burnt by thee in the ditch, with
due ceremonials, O descendant of Raghu, I shall mention,
unto thee, one who knows that Rakshasa. O Raghava, O
fleet-footed hero, do thou contract friendship with him gifted
with good qualities and he shall assist thee. There
is nothing unknown to him, O RSghava in the three worlds.
Formerly for some reasons he had travelled all over
them."

SECTION Lxx II.

A.FTER Kavandha had spoken thus, the two best of
men, Rlma and Lakshmana took him to a mountain-cave
and placed on fire. Lakshmana kindled the funeral pile,
which was ablaze on all sides. Thereupon the fire
began to burn down slowly the huge and corpulent body ^f

«7« RlMXVANA.

Kavandha like unto a lump of clarified butter. Afterwards
the highly powerful demon, shakinjf the funeral pile, rose
up quickly like a smokeless flame of fire, wearini^ a clean
cloth and a celestial garland. And the graceful demon,
wearing an unsullied cloth and having all its limbs crested
with diverse ornaments, rose from the pile high up in the
welkin with a delighted heart. Thereupon mounting on a
famed car, brilliant and drawn by swans* and lighting up all
the quarters with the effulgence of his person, that highly
powerful one, stationing himself in the heaven, addressed
Rama, saying : — "Do thou hear truly, O RAghava, of the
means by which thou shalt come by Sitft. There are sii
expedients.1 O Rlma, by virtue of which kings acquire all
objects. He, in whom misfortune hath culminated, should
seek the company of one such.{ Thou hast, O R&ma along
with Lakshmana, met with the culmination of misfortune
and for which thou hast been assailed with such a
disaster as the ravishment of thy spouse. O thou best of
my friends, it behoveth thee, therefore to make friendn with
such a person. Or else I do not find any means for thy
success. Do thou hear, O Rlma, what I relate. There liveth
with four monkeys a heroic, self-controlled monkey by name
Sugriva, on that best of mountains Rishyamuka^ situated on
the banks of the lake Pampa, being driven by his enraged
brother Vali, the son of Indra. ' That mighty, powerful, eflfol-
gent lord of monkeys, of immeasurable prowess and truthfnl
vows, humble, patient^ intelligent, great, expert, bold, grace-

* By virtue of the pious observances performed by bim in bis pnrioM
existence and for his being burnt by Rama that celestial car spptiW
there. — T.

t The six expedients are as follow— (i) Sandki, peace, (s) Fl^pdb
wir-fare. (3) Ydna, military expedition against an enemy. (4)
halting. (5) Daidhibhava — sowing dissension. (6) SammMk^mfm
protection.— T.

X This is a moral law referring to the sixth expedient, to be
by the kings — namely Samajhrarya or seeking protecti««,<— T.

iRANVAKlNDAM. ^79

ful and puissant, hath been banished by his brother, O hero,
for kingdom. Surely he shall befriend and assist thee in
thy search for Sit5. Do thou not plunge thy soul in grief.
O thou best of Ikshwakus, none can withstand destiny on
this earth, truly unavoidable is it course. Do thou proceed
soon, O hero, to Sugriv§ of mighty prowess, and repairing
bence even to-day do thou contract friendship with him,
taking vow in the presence of flaming fire* that ye shall not
envy each other. Despise not that kingly monkey SugrivS,
because he is grateful, capable of assuming shapes at will,
seeking protection and powerful. Ye too are able to accom-
plish his wished-for object. Benefitted by thee or not, he
shall engage in thy service. He was begotten of the Sun
unto the wife of Rikhyraja. He hath been roaming the
bank of P§mpa being in constant fear of Vali after creating
enmity with him. Do thou make friends with that monkey
ranging the wood and inhabiting the Rishyamuka mountain
after placing thy weapon in the very presence of fire as
a witness, because that best of monkeys knoweth minutely
all the abodes of R§kshasas, living on human flesh. There
is no place under the sun of many rays, O RSighava, O
slayer of foes, unknown to him. Exploring, with all his
monkeys, the rivers, huge mountains, strongholds and cavesj
he shall learn about thy spouse. He shall search that
exquisitely fine damsel Maithili in R§vana's abode, be-
wailing on thy separation ^ and to find her out he shall
despatch, O RcLghava, many a monkey of huge proportions to
various quarters. Whether on the summit of the mount
Meru or in the region unier the earth, that lord of monkeys,
shall give thee back thy blameless spouse, killing all the
R&kshasas."

* This refers to the oriental custom of performing every sacred rite in the
presence of fire as witness . The li in dus regard the fire with sacred rever-
enee and for this in all their soc:,^! and religious ceremonials fire plays a very
prominent and sacred part — ^T.

68o J^lMlFAiVA.

SECTION LXXIII.

JiAViNG pointed out unto R§ma the expedient for find-
ing out Sita the wise Kavandha began with the following
significant words : — "Thii is the way, O RSLma, leading to
the mount Rishyamuka, where '.stand /)eautiFying the West,
the Jambuy) Priiila.^h) PanacaSc) Nagrodha,W PlakshaM)
TindukaJf) Ashathya,{g) Karnikar^W Chuta^i.*) JVdga,U)
Tilaka,^)i) Naktamal.^l) Neelashok,^,^) CadamvaXn) Karavira/A
Agnimukhya.ip) Asoka, RaktachandanM) Pdribhadraka,K^)
and many other trees. Ascending those trees or lowering
them by force on earth, do thou proceed living on those fruits
like unto ambrosia. Passing by this forest, O Kftkuthstbai
thou shalt reach another abounding in trees blooming
with flowers like unto the garden of celestials and Uiiarkuru
where in all the months of the year the trees produce fruits
and honey and where all the seasons dwell as in the forest

[rt] A fruit-tree, the rose apple — Lat. {Eugenia ^ambclana). — ^T.

[A] A tree commonly F'lyal — Lat. {Buchanania latiftdia).-^.

[c] The bread fruit or J ah a tree — Lat, {Artocarpus iniffri/aiia).^-T,

[</] The I ndian fig-tree — Lat. {Ficus Jndica). — ^T.

[e] Waved haf fig-tree — Lat. Ficus infectoria). — T.

[/■] A sort of ebony — Lat. (,DiL,'i,pyros fflutinosa).^'T.

[g] A holy fig-tree — Lat. (Ficus religiosa). — T.

[A] The name of a tree commonly AVinf/ar — Lat. {PUrmpermmm meir^$

Hum). — T.

[i] The mango — Lat. {Mangi/era Indica). — T.

[7] A small tree — Lat. {Mesua f erred). — T.

[k] A kind of tree commonly Tila. — T.

[/] A trec—Z^/. {Gated upaar^^orea, Rcx).^T.

[m] Blue Ahoka — Lat. {Joncsia Asock). — ^T.

[ft] A plant commonly Kadamva — Lat. {Xauclea Kadamba).'^'T,

[o] A fragrant plant — Lat. {Oleander or Nerium Odontmj.^^T,

\_p\ The marking nut plant — Lat. {Semecarpius anacardium).~^T,

[-/] Red Sandil.— T.

>] The coral tree— la/. {ErythrinafuIgens).^'T,

IRANYAKXNDAM. 68 1

of Chaithraratka!^ There stand beautifully many a ti'ee
lowered down with the burden of fruits, containing towering
branches, dense as a collection of clouds or a mountain.
Ascending those trees and lowering them, Lakshmana shall
offer thee, fruits like unto ambrosia. O heroes, ranging from
forest to forest, from high mountains to hillocks, ye shall
get at the lake PampS, void of gravels and acquatic plants
and hence there is no danger of falling down to the people,
having level watering-places, covered with sands and bloom-
ing with red and white lotuses. There emit forth musical
notes, swans, frogs, cranes and ospreys sporting in the
lake PampSl. They are not filled with terror in view
of human beings, inexperienced as they are in the matter of
destruction. O R§ghava, do ye fare on those plump birds
like unto a lump of clarified butter and diverse fishes such as
Rohita^\ ChakratundaX and Nala% O RSma, the devoted
Lakshmana, shall offer unto thee, various other best fishes,
devoid of scale and fins, plump, filled with bones, having
destroyed them with shafts and roasted them in fire. And
after thou hadst feasted on them, Lakshmana shall bring
thee water for drinking on a lotus leaf, smelling like a lotus,
coming in contact with flowers, delicious, pleasantly cold,
wholesome, void of impurities, transparent like silver and
crystal. And while roaming in the evening he shall point
out unto thee fat monkeys ranging in the wood and lying in
the hollows of mountains. And thou too, O best of men, shalt
behold those fat monkeys, who had drunk water, roaring
like unto oxen appearing on the banks of a river to drink
water. And rambling in the evening, thou shalt assuage thy
grief beholding the pleasant water of PampI and blossoming

• The garden of the deity Kuvera. It is derived from Chithraraiha'^
a Gandharba in charge of the garden.

t The Rohi fish— Lat. {cyprinus Rohita Ham).^T.

t A kind of fish resembling a wheel in appearance. — T.

% A kind of sprat, according to some, a shrimp or prawn.— ^T.

68 J RlMlYANA.

trees. There, O R&ghava, the Tilakas and Naktamalakas^
crested with flowers and full blown white and red lotuses shall
mitigate thy sorrows. There liveth no person who wean
garlands of those flowers. Garlands strung with those
flowers never wither away, O RSghava, because the disciples
of the great ascetic Matanga lived there with concentrated
hearts. Drops of perspirationi falling on the earth from
the persons of those ascetics worn out with the burden
of the wild fruits collected by them for their spiritual
guide, have been transformed by virtue of their asceticism
unto these garlands. These garlands do never wither, O
R§ghava, because of their origination from those drops of
perspiration. Even at the present day, O KSkuthstha, there
liveth an immortal mendicant woman, by name Savari^ who
had waited in attendance upon those departed ones. Be-
holding thee, O RSma,who art adored of all creatures like
unto the Deity Himself, that mendicant womaUi erer
engaged in pious observances, shall attain to the abode of
celestials. O RiLma, turning to the western bank of
PUmpa, thou shalt, O KSkuthshtha, behold the incompara-
ble and secret asylum of Matanga. Fearing the divine
authority of that great ascetic Matanga, the elephant^
though there are many, dare not cross the threshold of his
asylum. O R&ghava, this forest is widely known as Matanga-
wood. Thou shalt sport, O RSma, with a delighted heart
in that forest resembling the celestial garden— A^aii^iM
and filled with various birds. There stands in front of
Pamp^ the highly inaccessible mount Riskyamuka^ ornament-
ed with many a blossoming tree and guarded on all sides bj
little serpents. That mount is highly munificient. It was
created by Brahm§ in the days of yore. A person, sleeping
on the summit of that hill and dreaming of an accession
of wealth, really gets at it after the dream is over. A perpe-
trator of iniquitous deeds and engaged in impious observances
ascending that hill, the R&kshasas seize upon him, asleep,

iRANFAKlNDAM, ^83

and bruise him. Thou shalt hear the terrible roar of the
young elephants ranging in the asylum of Matanga,
situated on the banks of PampS. Thou shalt furthermore
observe many a quickly moving, infuriated elephant, resembl-
ing clouds in hue and with red temporal juice oozing out of
their heads, roaming here and there sometimes separately
and again in a band. Those mighty elephants, roaming
the forest, return to their woody homes, drinking the plea-
santi pure and sweet smelling water of PampS. And do
thou assuage thy grief, beholding there the bears, wolves
and Hums of a tender countenance like unto sapphire, who
are harmless and never afraid of human heings. There
is a huge cave, O RSima, in that mountain, covered on all
sides with rocks and where it is very hard to enter. At the
entrance of that cave lies a beautiful, wide lake of cool water,
hedged on all sides with trees abounding in fruits. There
liveth with other monkeys the virtuous-souled Sugriva, who
sometimes resideth on the summit of the hill." Having thus
addressed R§ma and Lakshmana, Kavandha^ highly power-
ful resembling the sun in effulgence and wearing garlands
appeared beautiful on the sky. Thereupon RSma and
Lakshmanai preparing to proceed spoke unto that great one
stationed in the sky, saying, '^Do thou go.\ Whereto
Kavandha replied, saying ''Do ye proceed to make good
your end" and bidding them adieu, who were weM pleased,
departed. Regaining his pristine beauty and shining in
grace and effulgence that Kavandha, who was on the sky,
fixing his looks upon R§ma, and pointing out unto him his
way, said ''Do thou make friends with (Sugriva).

684 J^AmAyANA..

SECTION LXXIV.

X HEREUPON Rama and Lakshmana, sons of a kingly
father, passing along the way, pointed out by Kavamdka,
leading to the lake Pamp^, proceeded towards the West.
They wending their way desirous of seeing Sugriva, there
came within the compass of their vision many trees, grown
on the summits of the mountains, blossoming with flowers
and abounding in fruits tasting sweet like unto honey.
Passing the night on the summit of a hill those two descen«
dants of R§ghu arrived at the western bank of Pampl and
espied the pleasant asylum of Savari. Getting at that char*
ming hermitage covered on all sides with trees and casting
their looks around they beheld that female mendicant—
Savari, No sooner had that one of perfect ascetieism
beheld those highly intelligent Rima and Lakshmana than
she rose up with folded hands and touching their feet offered
them duly water for washing their feet and mouth. There*
upon Rama spake unto that female ascetic, engaged in
religious services, saying, ''O thou of sweet accents, hask
thou got all hindrances to asceticism removed? Is thy
asceticism growing stronger every day? O thou having
asceticism for thy wealth, hast thou restricted thj anger
and fare ? Hast thou observed the commandments and
attained to mental felicity ? Hast thy attendance upon thy
spiritual guide borne fruits ?" Being thus accosted by Rlma
that old Savarif of accomplished asceticism and recognised
by the Sidhas, approaching Rlma spake : — ^"Favoured with
thy presence my asceticism hath attained to its consununa-
tion. Blessed is my birth, fruitful is my service unto Biy
spiritual guides and accomplished is my asceticism. O best
of men, thou art the foremost of celestials ; worshipping
thee I attain to the abode of deities. O gentle one* 0

iJ^A A yj KIND A RL 6 85

slayer of foes, O thou that dost confer honors on men,
thyself casting thy auspicious looks upon me, consecrated
I, by thy favour, shall attain to the imperishable land
of celestials. On thy setting foot on the mount Chitrakuta^
the ascetics whom I served, ascending celestial cars of in-
comparable lustre, departed to heaven. Those great ascetics,
cognizant of virtue^ said to me, ''Rama shall come to thy
holy asylum." Do thou receive with great reverence that
guest together with Lakshmana. On beholding him, thou shalt
attain to that best land of the celestials whence none returh-
cth. O best of men, I was thus told, by those great ascetics,
and for thee I have collected various wild fruits growing
on the banks of Pampa." Being thus addressed by Savariy
the virtnous-souled R^ghava spake unto her conversant with
the knowledge of past and future, saying, *'I have heard from
Danu, in truth, about thy divine authority as well as that
of thy spiritual guides. If thou purposest so I wish to
witness it with my own eyes.*' Hearing those accents drop-
ping from Raima's lips, Savari showing unto them the vast
forest said, "Do thou behold, O Raghava, this forest, crowded
with deer and birds resembling a dense cloud. This forest
is known as Matanga's wood. Here in this forest the pure-
souled preceptors sacrificed unto fire their persons conse-
crated by the Mantras as Mantra itself. This is that altar
Pratyaksthaliy ascending which my worshipful preceptors
used to offer flowers unto the deities with hands trembling
with toil. Behold, O best of Raghus, this altar of incom-
parable beauty, by virtue of their asceticism, hath been still
shedding its lustre on all the sides. Behold, again, the seven
seas have appeared here in conjunction, at their very thought,
worn out with fasts and therefore incapable of moving on.
Even those barks, which they used to place on these trees
after abluti6n have not yet been dried up. These flowers,
of blue colour which they offered unto the deities, being
engaged in divine services, have not yet been withered

686 RlMlTANA.

away. Thou hast observed this entire forest and heard
every thing worth hearing. I purpose now to renounce my
body being commanded by thee. I wish to approach those
purc-souled ascetics, whom I used to wait upon, and whom
these asylums belong to. Hearing with Lakshmana the
speech of that pious one, Rama gained an excess of joy and
exclaiming, "Wonderful it is 1" again spake unto Savari
of keen austerities, — ''O gentle one, I have been worshipped
by thee. Do thou repair at thy ease and pleasure/' Beinf
thus addressed and ordered by RSLmai Savart, wearing
matted locks, rags and the skin of an antelope, surrendered
herself unto fire and rose high up in the welkin like onto
blazing fire. Adorned with celestial omamentSi wreathed
with celestial garlands, sprinkled with sandal-paste and wear-
ing celestial cloth she appeared of exquisite grace and
lighted up the quarters like unto lightning. By virtue of her
devout meditation, Savart repaired to that holy region when
dwelt her spiritual preceptors — the pure-hearted ascetics.

SECTION LXXV.

j^LFTER Savari had repaired unto heaven by virtue of her
divine prowess, RSlma with his brother Lakshmana began
to ponder over the pious influence of those great ascetics.
Thinking within himself about the divine authority of those
great ones, the virtuous-souled RAma spake unto Lakshmanai
devoted and ever engaged in his well-being. — ^"Beheld have
I, O gentle one^ the wondrous asylum of the pure-sooled
ascetics filled with diverse birds and tigers rambling
friendly with antelopes. O Lakshmana, we have performei
ablutions in the sacred waters of these seven seas and offered
oblations unto our manes. Our misfortunes have ended and
prosperity hath appeared and my mind is now filled with

IRANFA KlNDAM. 687

ecstacy of delight. Me<thinks, O best of men, auspiciousnesa
shall soon appear unto us ^ do thou come, therefore, we shall
proceed towards the picturesque lake PampSl. Yon appear-
eth in view, at no distance, the mount Rishyamuka. Here
dwells with four monkeys, the virtuous-souled Sugriva —
Suryya's son, in constant fear of V^lli. I am in a hurry to be-
hold Sugriva the best of monkeys, for my business — Sita's
quest — is entirely at his hands/' Unto the heroic R§ma, speak-
ing thus, Saumitri said. — ''Let us depart soon, I am in haste
too." Issuing out of Matanga's asylum, the mighty RSlma, lord
of men, repaired with Lakshmana to the lake Pampa. Exer-
cised with grief, he arrived at the bank of that best of lakes,
beholding (as he passed along), vaious trees and pools, the
mighty forest covered on all sides with huge trees and flowers
and resounding with the noise of lapwings, peacocks, wood*
peckers and various other birds and rattling of the bamboos.
Beholding, from distance, PampSl of sweet, cool and pure
water, R2Lma performed ablution at the Matanga Sara (a
portion of Pamp§) and paced slowly towards the lake.
Thereupon Da^aratha's son, stricken with grief, bathed in
PampSl covered with lotuses. It was adorned on all sides
with Tilakas^ Asokas, Punagas^ Uddalas and Vakulas. It
was a lake girt on all sides with pictueresque gardens,
having its waters undulating beautifully and transparent
like unto crystal, and covered all around with soft sands.
It was filled with fish and tortoise, adorned with trees on its
banks, encircled with creepers embracing her like com-
panions and frequented by Gandharbas^ Kinnaras, serpents,
Yakshas and R&shasas. It was covered with trees and
creepers of various kind, of cool water, and enveloped
with beauty. It was, somewhere, of red hue, in contact
with water lillies, somewhere white with Kumudas, some-
where blue with blue lotuses like unto a blanket of
diverse hues. It was filled with white and red lotuses and
encircled with blossoming r-^angoe groves and resounding

688 kAJ^JAVANA.

with the music of the peacocks. Beholding Pamp2L, orna-
mented like a damsel with Tilakas, Bijapura5,W fig-treeSp
Siikiadriifnas/-^) flowery Karavis, blossoming Punnagas,^
groves of MalatiCO and Kiinday) Vandhiras^O Nickulasffi
Asokas, Saptaparuas^s) Ketakas,{}i) AtimukiasS*^ and vari-
ous others trees, Rama the mighty son of Da9aratha began
to lament with Lakshmana. ''There stands on its bank the
mount Rishyamuka, abounding in various metals and
covered with trees of varieagated flowers as mentioned
before (by Kavandhd), There dwelleth the famous lord of
monkeys, SugrivSL, the heroic son of the great Rikshyaraja.
O best of men, do thou approach the chief of monkeys."
Rama, having truth for his prowess, again spake unto
Lakshmana, saying, ''O Lakshmana, how shall I live with-
out Sita, who have -been deprived of my kingdom, who am
poorly and have Sita for my life ?" Having said this unto
Lakshmana, who had nothing else in view, that best of
Raghus, racked with sorrow and grief and oppressed by
Cupid, entered the lake Pampa graced with lotuses. Proceed-
ing slowly, observing the forest, I^ama beheld an! entered
with Lakshmana Famp'i, girt on all sides with beautiful
woods and filled with a multitude of diverse birds.

[r/" Common citron — Lat. CCitrtis-mcdicaJ. — T.

[b~ Lilt. fSyw/!-->c.>s rarcmi^sa). — T.

[r] Grcat-n-jwcrcd Jasmine — Lat. (Jfisminum CrandiflorumJ,'^T.

\j.r. A k i n '1 ci f J .1 sm i n •: — A^ .'. (J. Mu It ifiorii m) . — T

[r] /.//.'. n/'*/;.' :'.m7 Sitisha). — T.

\r Lat. (JiiTrrintrti^fiiii Acuiant^ulu). — T.

r^'] Lni. 'AM.n:,:.Si!i.^:nr:s).—^.

[/:'■ (Pau'lanus 0,/-iri7t:s.;iun::i i). — T.

';" Lai. {Gacrinera Kiiccn:i-S(i). — T.

Kno of the Aranyakan'oam.

^' r>-i. b

THE

KAMAYANA

Bl !■*

SECTION I.

REPAIRING with Lakshmana to the lake Pampa filled with
red and white lotuses and fish R§ma having his senses agitat-
ed began to lament. And beholding there that lake his senses
were stirred with delight. Troubled with passion he spake
unto Saumitri saying, — *'Behold, O Saumitri, how beautifully
appeareth PampSl of transparent '-vater like unto Baidurja,
graced with full-blown red and white lotuses and various
trees. Observe again, O son of Sumitra, the picturesque
wood-land around the lake, where trees, crowned with large
branches resennbling the summits of a mountain, appear like
so many hills. Mental agony arising from Site's ravish-
ment and Bharata's grief, have been grinding me who am
already stricken with sorrrow. Verily conduceth to my
felicity the pleasant lake Pampa of cool water, scattered with
various flowers, covered with lotuses, highly graceful, girt with
variegated woods abounding in voracious animals and fre-
quented by deer and birds. This green common, chequered
with yellow and blue, appeareth of enhanced beauty by the
various flowers of the trees as if covered with a blanket of

«90 RXmXYANA.

diverse hues. The tops of the trees rich with flowery bunches
are gnarled with creepers of blossoming tips. Now hath ap-
pearedi O Saumitri, the fragrant spring of pleasant breezes,
when greatly prevaileth the influence of Cupid and the trees
are graced with fruits and flowers. Behold, O Saumitri, the
beauty of the woods, showering flowers like unto clouds
pouring forth rain. Various trees growing on rocky surfaces,
moved by the wind have been scattering flowers on the
earth. Behold, O Saumitri, the wind is sporting as it were
with flowers dropt, dropping and hanging on the trees. The
bees, driven off and singing, pursue the wind, moving the
flowery branches of the trees. While issuing out of the
mountainous hollows the wind is singing as it were and
making the trees dance with the musical notes of the delighted
cuckoos. The wind, making the tops of the trees collide
with each other, is as it were stringing them together. The
5andal-cooI wind, of pleasant touch, ever removing the
exhaustion of toil, is blowing everywhere carrying with it pure
fragrance. The trees in this nectar-smelling forest are sound-
ing as it were with the hum of bees. Hillocks overtopped with
•picturesque and flowery trees stand beautifully on this
mountainous expanse. Trees with flowery tops, tossed by
the airy currents and crested with the bees, are as if dancing
in accompaniment with melodious strains. Behold, the
Karnikaras covered with flowers appear on all sides like unto
human beings decorated with golden ornaments and wearing
yellow cloths. This spring, O Saumitri, sounded by the
musical notes of the birds hath been kindling my grief who
am without Sita. Cupid hath been smiting me the more
who am stricken with grief, and the cuckoos have been defying
me, displaying their mirth, O Lakshmana. At the pleasant
fountains the delighted Ddtyuahas with their warblings have
been afflicting me who am possessed by Cupid. Formerly
my dear one, while in the asylum, delighted with the music of
these birds, used to attain to a greater joy addressing me to

KISHKIKDHXkJLNDAM. 69 r

bear them. Behold, birds of variegated hues, emitting forth

diverse notes have been alighting upon the trees, groves

and creepers from various quarters. O Saumitri, birds and

bees of melodious notes accompanied by their co-mates and

delighted with their mutual companionship are on the banks

of this lake. There live happily flocks of delighted vultures.

The trees sounded by the lascivious murmurs of Datyiihas

and PuHskokilas have been kindling my amour. The fire of

spring having clusters of Asokas as its embers, the hum

of bees as its sound, the redness of the twigs as its

flame, hath been burning me. O Saumitri, of what avail

is this life unto me, not beholding Sit§ of sweet accents,

having eyes with their eye-lashes, and a head of curly hair.

O blameless one, this season, when the groves become

charming and the border-lands resound with melodious

strains of the cuckoos, is the most beloved of my

dear one. Methinks, this fire of distress, originating from

amorous trouble and enhanced by the influence of spring,

shall soon burn me down. My amorous feelings shall attain

to an intense height, as I do not behold Siti before, whereas

see the beautiful trees around. SitS, away from my vision

and the spring,drying up perspiration,have been both inciting

my amour. That one having the eyes of a fawn and ruthless

vernal breeze, O Saumitri, have been oppressing me who am

overpowered with anxiety and grief. These peacocks and

pea-hen3 unfurling their wings like unto crystal lattices,

have been dancing hither and thither. These maddened

peacocks encircled by the pea-hens, have been aggravating

my amorous desire who am already possessed by the

Cupid. Observe, O Lakshmana, there danceth with her

dancing mate on the mountainous expanse, the pea-hen,

troubled with amorous sentiments. The peacock unfolding

his charming wings is moving after his dear mate mocking

me as it were with his cry. Surely the RSikshasa hath not

brought my dear one in this forest of peacocks and therefore

692 RAMAJ'ANA.

they dance with their mates in this picturesque forest land.
It is unbearable for me to live without Sit2i in this season o(
flowers. Behold, O Lakshmana, this attachment is to be seen
even amongst the brutes. The pea-hen being influenced by
passion is approaching her mate. Sitil of expansive eyes
would have thus neared me being influenced by amour had
she not been carried away. In this season of spring
flowers of this forest are of no avail to me. These pleasant
flowers of the trees have been uselessly falling on the
earth with the bees. The birds exciting my desire have
been delightedly warbling in flocks as if welcoming each
other. Surely SitSL, under the influence of another person,
is lamenting in the same strain, as I do, if spring hath
appeared there. Even if spring hath not appeared there
how can Sit§ having eyes re sembling full-blown lotuses
live in my separation ? If spring is there, what can it do her
having a beautiful hip and loins, who hath already been
overpowered by a mighty enemy ? Surely shall my dear wife
of a slender make, having eyes like lotus-petals and of sweet
accents renounce her life at the appearance of this spring ?
Methinks, for certain, the chaste Sit& shall not be able to
maintain her being at my separation. Vaidehi's attachment
is entirely centred in me and mine in her. This cool breeze
of a pleasant touch, carrying the fragrance of flowers appears
like a fire-brand unto me who am thinking of my spouse.
That breeze appeareth painful unto me in Sitft's absence
which, ere this,had been regarded by me as a source of pleasure
in her company. This bird set up a cry in the sky at that
time^ and now sitting on the tree is crying delightedly. This
bird flying up in the sky brought about Sit&'s ravishment
and this bird shall take me to her having expansive eyes.

* This refers to the time when Rama wais united with Sita i. #. at the tiat
oE his weddinjf, At that time the bird, flying up in the sky let ap aa in-
auspicious cry indicating that in no distant time he should be tepaiated froB
her ; and now his sitting on the tree and cawing delightedly iadicatod tisl
he should soon be re-united with her. — T.

KISHKINDHJlKINDA M, 693

Hear, O Lakshmana, the maddening notes of those birds
sitting on the tops of the flowery trees and setting up their
melody. The Vramaras are approachingr the Tilakas tossed
by the wind like unto intoxicated damsels. This Asoka^
enhancing the desires of the amorous, stands here, as if
remonstrating with me by its clusters shaken by the wind.
There appear, O Lakshmana, those blossoming mangoe trees
like unto persons, exercised with passion and smeared with
unguents of sandal. Behold, O Saumitri, O foremost of men,
the kinnaras are ranging at large in this varieagated forest-
land on the banks of Pampa. Here the fragrant red lotuses
are shedding forth their splendour like unto the newly risen
sun. Here appeareth beautifully the lake Pampa of trans-
parent water, filled with blue and fragrant lotuses, swans and
Karandhahas and abounding in red lotuses like unto the
virgin rays of the sun and having their filaments crushed by
the bees. And the beautiful woods around the lake have been
manifesting their beauty, filled with chakrabakas and the herds
of elephants and deer desirous of drinking water. Behold,

0 Lakshmana, the picturesque view of the lotuses oscillated
by the ripples driven to and fro by the wind. I do not
delight in my life, not beholding Sita, having expansive eyes
Uke unto lotus-petals and ever fond of lotuses. O how wily is
the course of KSlma who hath been presenting unto my mind
that auspicious one, liard to attain and of sweet-accents ! Had

1 not been overpowered by this season of spring with
blossoming trees^ I would have been able to put up with
the present amorous infliction. The objects which appeared
beautiful unto me while in the company of Sita, now seem
shorn of all grace in her separation. My eyes pant for
beholding those lotus-petals, O Lakshmana, because of their
resemblance with Sit&'s eyes. Issuing out of the trees and
touching the filaments, the pleasant wind is blowing like unto
Sit&'s breath. Behold O Lakshmana, the flowery branches
of the Karnikaras on the summits of the mountain situated

694 RUiXFANA.

on the southern bank of PampS. This prince of mountains,
beautified with various metals, hath been throwing up
dusts of diverse colors driven by the wind. O Saumitri,
tliese mountainous expanses are burning in beauty with blos-
soming and beautiful Kinsukas void of leaves. These fragrant
Malatis, Mallikas^ Karavis and lotuses, growing on the
banks of Pampa, and fostered by PampS's water, and Keiakis,
Sindhubarasy Basantis, MatulingaSy Pumas, Kunda groves,
Chiribilyasy MadukaSy Banjulas, Vakulds, Champakas,
Tilakasy NagaSy PadmyakaSy W\x^ AsokaSy Ankolas, KurantaSy
ChurnakaSy Paribhadrakas, and yellow Lodhras on the
hills like unto manes of a lion, are in flowers. There
appear beautifully on the hills, blossoming Chutas, PaialaSy
KobidaraSy MuchukundaSy ArjunaSy Ketakas, Uddalakas,
Sin'saSy SingsapaSy DhabaSy Salmalis^ Ktngsukas, Raktas
KuravaSy TtnisaSy NaktamalaSy sandal trees, Syandanas^ Hin-
talasy Tilakas and Nagas. Behold, O Saumitri, many
a beautiful and blossoming tree growing on the banks of
Pampa and gnarled by creepers having flowery tips. Like
unto inebriate damsels, these creepers are embracing the
trees, hard by, having their branches tossed by the wind.
The breeze, delighted with various tastes is passing from
tree to tree, mountain to mountain and forest to forest.
Some fragrant trees, covered with flowers and some with
buds, appear beautifully green. Saying, '(Ibis is sweet', Uhis is
pleasant' and 'this is full-blown,' the attached bees are faliiog
to the trees. And rising again they are approaching the
other trees growing on the banks of Pamp&. This forest*
land, strewn with flowers dropping spontaneously from
the trees like unto a bed sheet, hath become pleasant. O
Saumitri, the mountainous levels variegated with flowerSi are
appearing like unto beds. Behold O Saumitri, the origina*
tion of flowers in the trees at the expiry of the winter. Tha
trees as if vieing with each other, have blossomed in this
season of flowers. The trees^ O Lakshmana, with bees

KISHKINDHAkANDA M, 695

humming around and with flowery branches are as If wel-
coming each other. This swan, hath been sporting with its
mate in the lucid water of Pampa exciting my amour. Truly
does this lake like unto Mandakini itself, deserve the accom-
plishments that are known all over the world. O best of
Raghus, 1 do not desire Ayodhya or the dignity of Indra if
that chaste SitS be found here and if I can live with her. I shall
renounce all desires and thoughts if I can sport with her in
this picturesque and green forest-land. These trees, clothed
in diverse flowery attires, have been exciting my thought
in this forest, who have been deprived of my dear one. O
Saumitri, behold this PampS of cool water, enveloped on all
sides with lotuses, and frequented by Chakrabakas, Karan-
davaSy Chraunchas, Plabas and high deer. Its beauty hath
been further enhanced by the birds caroling. Diverse delight-
ed birds have been exciting my passion, reminding me of
my dear spouse, of blameless countenance, having a moon-
like face and eyes resembling lotus-petals. Behold on the
yonder mountainous expanse of various colors, stags sport-
ing with hinds and myself on the other hand forsaken by
Vaidehi having eyes resembling those of an antelope. These
deer ranging hither and thither have been distressing my
soul. It is then only that I shall attain to mental quietitude
if I can behold SitSL on this charming mountainous expanse
fllled with birds and deer. It is then that I shall draw my
vital breath, O Saumitri, if Vaidehi, of slender waist, with me,
enjoyeth the fine breeze of Pampa dispersing the fragrance
of lotuses and Saugandhikas and ever assuaging grief.
Blessed are they, O Lakshmana who enjoy this wild breeze of
PampS. How hath that exquisitely fine daughter of Janaka,
my beloved spouse, having eyes resembling lotus-petals,
brought under the control of another person, been living
forsaken by me ? What shall I speak unto that virtuous,
truthful king Janaka when he shall interrogate me about
SitA's welfare in an assembly ? Where is that Sita now

696 RAMlrANA.

uho followed me in the track of virtue, who am unfortu-
nate and have been exiled unto woods by my Sire ? How
shall I keep up (my being) being poorly, O Lakshmana, being
forsaken by that Sita who followed me, deprived of king-
dom and sense ? My heart is sinking not beholding her
fine spotless countenance, having eyes resembling lotuses
and smellinor sweet. When shall I hear again O Laksh-
mana, the sweet incomparable and auspicious accents of
Vaidchi, intervened by smiles and couched in an elegant
and easy st} le ? That chaste and exquisitely fine damsel
even when afflicted in the woods used to welcome mc
under the influence of Cupid as if she were delighted
and had her sorrows removed. O son of a king, what
shall I speak unto Kau9alya in Ayodhya when she will
ask mc of her high-souled daughter-in-law's welfare and
whereabouts ? Do thou proceed^ O Lakshmanaj and join
Bharata gifted with fraternal affection. I am incapable
of living any more without that daughter of Janaka."
Thereupon Lakshmana addressed unto the high-souled RSma
who was thus bewailing like one helpless with the
following pregnant and immutable words. "Forsake thy
grief, O Rama. May good betide thee. Do not grieve O best
of men. Even the sinless persons lose their sense when thej
are afllicted with grief. Remembering the grief consequent on
separation do thou forsake thy attachment unto thy dear one.
Out of an excess of oil even the wick burneth itself. O wor-
shipful one, even if he hideth himself in the region under the
earth or in a darker quarter, Ravana shall not be able to draw
his breath. Do thou procure information about that vicious*
souled RSikshasa ; either he shall give up Sit& or meet with
destruction. Unless he gi\es back SitS, forsooth I shall kill him
even if he enters with her into Diti's womb. Do thou, consob
thyself and renounce thy poorliness of mind, O worshipfnl
one. Without sufficient endeavours even men of energy do
not regain their lost ends. O worshipful one mighty is die

KISHKlNDHlKlNDAM. 697

course of energy. And than this there is no greater power
on earth. And there is nothing unattainable in this world to
one gifted with energy. Persons endowed with zeal do never
wear away in their actions. And resorting to this energy
only that we shall regain Janaki. Do tliou not percieve that
thou art high-souled and highly educated ? And leaving
behind grief do thou forsake thy amorous madness.'* Being
thus accosted by Lakshmana, Rama having his mind stricken
with sorrow, attained to mental quietitude renouncing
grief and dolour. Thereupon Rama, of unimaginable prowess,
passed slowly by the pleasant and charming Pampa with
banks girt with trees shaken by the wind.

Thereupon the high-souled Rama, stricken with grief
passed along beholding the forest-land, fountains, caves
and revolving aside (the pregnant words of Lakshmana).
And the high-souled Lakshmana, of unagitated mind, * ntent
upon R§ma's welfare and wending like unto an infuriated
elephant, cheered him up by means of moral and heroic
counsels. Beholding their countenances passing strange, that
mighty chief, of monkeys, while ranging near the mount
Rishyamuka, became highly terrified and motionless. Obser-
ving them range there, that high-souled monkey, wending
slowly like unto an elephant and stricken with fear and
grief, became exceedingly sorry. Espying the highly power-
ful Rama and Lakshmana there, monkeys, terrified, entered
into that holy and pleasant asylum, a worthy refuge and
having its inside always frequented by them.

698 rAmAyana.

SECTION tl.

JL$EH0LD1NG those two high-souled brothers RSma and
Lakshmana, heroic and writh great scimitars in their hands,
Sugriva became terrified. That best of monkeys, of a distur-
bed mind, cast his looks around and could not stand
(patiently) at any place. Beholding those two of great prowess
he could not make up his mind to remain there and the heart
of that terrified monkey, sank. Pondering over what
is more and what is less important the virtuous-souled
Sugriva became highly anxious along with that monkey-herd.
Beholding R§ma and Lakshmana, Sugriva, the king of
monkeys, greatly exercised with anxiety spake unto his
counsellors, saying — *'Forsooth, these two heroes, in false
guises and wearing bark, despatched by Vali, have come here
traversing the forest stronghold." Beholding these two
mighty archers the counsellors of Sugriva, quitting that
mountainous expanse proceeded to another best of hills.
Thereupon proceeding quickly the commanders of vorious
monkey herds stood encircling the king of monkeys and the
chief of leaders. The monkeys thus sharing in the misery and
happiness (of their chicO proceeded jumping from hill to hill
shaking the summits thereof, with the velocity (of their per-
sons). Thereupon those mighty monkeys, jumping.broke down
the flowery trees of that stronghold. Those best of monkeys,
springing all around that mighty hill, proceeded terrifying
the deer, the wild cats and the tigers. Stationed on that
best of mountains the ministers of Sugriva, coming in the
front of that monkey-chief, stooil with cla<;ped palms. There-
upon HanumSn, ^killcd in speech, spake unto Sugriva, terri6cd
and afraid of Vali's wicked wiles, saying: — "Let all the
monkeys renounce Vali*s fear ; in this best of mounlaios^
Malaya — there is no fear of him. I do not behold, O best of

KISHKINDHA Kl NO A M, 699

monkeys, that wicked Vali of terrible looks, afraid of whom
thouJiast fled away and for whom thou art anxious. I do not
observe here, O gentle one, the wicked-souled Vali, thy elder
brother of impious actions and whom thou dost fear and
I do not percieve any terror proceeding from him. O monkey-
chief, truly m.iniCest is thy monkey-hood and it is through
thy light-heartedness that thou art incapable of fixing thy
soul. Gifted with intellect and knowledge do thou perform
all by means of gestures. A king void of sense cannot
govern all creatures." Hearing those pregnant words of
Hanum2n,Sugriva said in better accents — **Who is not terified
beholding those two mighty armed heroes, having expansive
eyes, with bows, arrow, and daggers in their hands like unto
two sons of a celestial ? Methinks these two best of men
have been despatched by Vali. Kings have many friends.
And it is not proper for me to place confidence in them.
People should know that enemies, always treacherous by
nature, range under false guises. And those foes, availing
of their credulity, bring about their destruction whenever
opportunity presents itself. Vali is eminently expert in
despatching business. Monarchs, cognizant of many a wily
expedient, bring about others' destruction. It is proper to
discern them by means of disguised spies. O monkey, do
thou proceed under a false guise, and come by their intentions,
examining them aright by their countenances, gestures and
words. Do thou ascertain their intention. If dost thou find them
delighted, secure their confidence in my favour, by eulogizing^
me again and again and giving out unto them my views. O
best of monkeys,do thou ask them why they have entered this
forest, if thou dost perceive that these two archers are pure-
souled. Do thou determine the fairness and unfairness of
their purpose by means of their gestures and conversation."
Being commanded by that chief of monkeys, the son of
Maruta purposed to approach Rama and Lakshmana. Assen-
ting to the* words of the terrified and unconquerable Sugriva

700 RAMXYANA,

and saying *Be it so/ Hanum&n, the high-souled monkey
proceeded where the heroic RSraa was with Lakshmana.

SECTION III.

U NDERSTANDING the words of the high-souled Sugriva,
Hanuman, proceeded, springing, from the mount Rishyarouka,
towards the descendants of Raghu. Thereupon renouncing
his monkey shape, the son of Maruta, not confidihg in them,
assumed the semblance of a mendicant. Approaching them
humbly, HanumSn paid obeisance unto them. And he eulo-
gized them truly in words, sweet and pleasant. Greeting
duly those two heroes, having truth for their prowess, that
best of monkeys addressed them in sweet accents in conso-
nance with Sugriva's instructions. "Ye are ascetics of
celebrated austerities, resembling the RSjarshis and celestials
and best of Brahmacharis, why have ye come here causing
fear unto these deer and other wild animals of the forest?
Surveying around the trees grown on the banks of Pampi,
ye have enhanced the beauty of this lake of auspicious water.
Who are ye two youthful figures of mighty arms, wearing
bark, patient, sighing and troubling these wild animals t
Heroic, of leonine looks, gifted with mighty strength and
prowess, slayers of foes, and holding a bow like unto that of
Sakra ; graceful, of a pleasant countenance, of prowess like
un«:o a mighty bull, having hands resembling the trunks of
elephants, effulg^cnt, great among men, youthful, beautifying
this chief of mountains with the effulgence of your persons,
worthy of having kingdoms, and like unto celestials, why
have ye come here? Having eyes resembling lotus-petals,
heroic, wearing matted locks, resembling each other, have ye
come here from the celestial region ? Verily the Sun and
the Moon have come down to the earth of their own accord.

KISHKINDHl KIND A M, 70 1

Of spacious breast, heroic, having leonine shoulders, gifted
with high energy, stout like unto plump bulls and human
albeit looking like celestials, why are not your longf, round
arms, resembling Paridhas and deserving all ornaments
adorned ? Methinks ye two are perfectly able to protect
this entire earth, filled with forests and oceans, and intersected
by the mountains Vindhya and Meru. These thy painted
and smooth hows appear like unto the thunder-bolts of Indra
adorned with gold. And these beautiful quivers are filled to
the brim with sharpened and deadly shafts like unto flaming
fire and serpents. And these two daggers, of mighty propor-
tions, furnished with burning gold, appear like unto serpents, let
loose. Why do ye not answer me accosting you thus ? A
certain heroic and virtuous monkey-chief, by name Sugriva,
hath been journeying on this earth, distressed at heart, being
driven away by his brother. I have come here being des-
patched by that high-souled Sug^riva — my name is Hanuman,
the foremost of monkeys. That virtuous -souled Sugriva
desires to make friends with you. And know me to be his
counsellor — a monkey, the son of Pavanay ranging every
where at my will, coming here, under the guise of a mendicant,
from the mount Rishymuka, for the welfare of Sugriva.*'
Having addressed thus those two heroes — Rama and
Lakshmana, Hanuman, conversant with words and skilled in
speech, did not speak again. Hearing those words, the
effulgent RSLma, with a delighted countenance, spake unto his
younger brother, Lakshmana — sitting by him. "He is the
counsellor of the high-souled Sugriva, the lonl of monkeys and
hath approached me, soliciting my friendship in his (Sugriva's)
favour. Do thou welcome, with pleasant words, O Saumitri,
this monkey — Sugriva's minister, the subduer of foes, affec-
tionate and skilled in speech. None can speak thus who
hath not mastered the Rig-veda, borne well the Yajur-veda
and acquainted himself thoroughly with the Shyam-veda,
Forsooth he hath studied well all the Grammars, for he hath

yoi RAmAj'aJVA,

not usod a single inelegant word though he hath addressed
me willi a number of them. And no defect was perceived oa
Ills countenance, eyes, forf*he;Kl, brows or on any of his limbs.
His words, — ftw, beyond all suspicion, pleasant, and uttered
in a mill tone, — came out readily of his throat and breast. He
has uttered accents, wonderful, ready, accomplished, auspici-
ous and captivating. Whose heart is not moved by these
wondorful words, proceeding from heart, throat and brain) ?
Even an enemy, who hath his sword uplifted, (is moved). 0
sinless one, how d.)th that monarch accomplish his objects
who hath not got such a messeng"er ? Indeed whose emis-
saries are so accompli^she d, all his missions are fulfilled only
by virtue of their words." Thus addressed, Saumitri, skilled
in speech, welcomed that monkt y — Sugriva's counsellor and
son of Pavana. *0 learned one! We knew well the
accomplishments of the hi;»h-souled Sugriva. We shall
find out that kini* of monkev herds. O HanumSn, O best of
monkeys, we shall go by whatever thou shalt say, under the
instructions of Sugriva." Hearing these skillful words, that
son of Pavana, delighted, revolving within him the means for
Sugriva's conquest, purposed to bring about a friendly union
between them.

SECTION IV.

J71.E.\KING those words (of Rama) and learning his amica-
ble feeling (in relation to Sui^riva^; as also, seeing that RSmt
was willing to assist Sugriva. HanumSn, getting exceedingly
deli dited, remembered Sugriva. * 'Si nee this one of successful
acts l-.alh bi^n come by and also this business is in hand.
the high-souliMl Sui^riva will most probably obtain the
monarchy." Then transported with joy, that foremost of
monkeys, llaiiuman, in these words, replied unto RSma, deft

KISHKINDlllKA NDA M. 703

in Fpeecb, sayinp^, "Why is it, that accompanied with thy
younger brother, hast thou come to this dense and trackless
forest, garnished with the wood-lands of Pampa, and filled
with various kinds of ferocious beasts ?*' Hearing those words
of his, Lakshmana, directed by Rama, informed (Hanunian)
of all about Rama, the son of Dayaratha. -'There was a
king named Da9aratha. Possessed of effulgence, and attached
unto righteousness, he, in consonance with his proper duties,
for aye, governed the four orders. He hath no hater; nor
doth he hate any one. And in relation to all creatures he
was like another great-father. And he celebrated Agnishioma
and other sacrifices with presents (to Brahmanas}. This one
is his eldest son, named Rama, famous among men. He is
the refuge of all creatures, and competent to carry out the
injunctions of his father. Tlie eldest son of Da^aratlia,
he is foremost of all his sons in merit. He bears marks of
royalty, and hath the prosperity of a kingdom. Deprived
of his kingdom, in company with myself, he hath come
hither with the view of dwelling in this wood. And, O
highly exalted one, this one of subdued senses is followed
by his wife Sita even as at the decline of day the exceedingly
effulgent Sun is followed by (his spouse) Splendour. I am
the younger brother of this one endeued with gratitude and
of various lore. Subdued by his virtues, I, Lakshmana by
name, have dedicated myself to his service. Worthy of
happiness, homage, and intent upon the welfare of all beings,
deprived of wealth and living in the forest, he hath his wile
carried off by a Rakshasa,wearing shapes at will. Nor have
we yet (been able) to ascertain who is that Rakshasa that hath
carried off his wife. A son of Diti named Danu, had, by virtue
of an imprecation, underj^oiie Rakshasa-hood. He it is
who had related unto us all about the capable Sugriva. —
"That exceedingly puissant out: shall have a knowledge of
the ravisher of thy wile r" H.iving said this, Danu beaming
(with a halo) went to heaven. Thus have I related unto thee

704 RAmAYANA.

all as it fell out. Both Rama and myself have saught the
shelter of Sugriva. Having given away profuse wealth and
attained high fame, this one who formerly was the lord of
the worlds, now wishes to make Sugriva his master. That
one attached unto virtue, that refuge (of all) — the son of
that shelter (of all beings) hath come under the protection of
Sugriva. That spiritual guide, who ere now was worthy
of being the shelter (of all) and wIk) (actually) was the refuge
(of all creatures) — Raghava, hath saught the shelter of
Sugriva. That Rama in whose happiness and favor the
subjects found their felicity, seeketh the good graces of
Susrriva. Famed over the three worlds the eldest son of
that monarch who had always and for aye honored all the
kings of the earth crowned with every virtuei — viz. R&ma,
hath sought the protection of Sugriva, lord of monkeys. On
Rama being overwhelmed with sorrow, tried by grief, and
having come under his refuge, it behoveth Sugriva along
with the leaders of bands to show favor unto Rima ? When
Sumitra*s son shedding tears hal spoken thus, that one
skilled in speech, HanumSn, answered in these words,
'Persons of such a stamp, endeued with understanding, of
controlled anger and subdued senses, should be seen by the
master of monkeys ; and such come within one*s ken through
blessed luck. He also hath been driven out of his kingdom,
and hath incurred the hostility of V&li. And his wife tora
away from him, he dwelleth in this wood, in fear, having been
exceedingly harassed by his brother. That son of the Suo,
Sugriva, along with us, will help thee in seeking out Sitl.'
Having said these sweet and hurried words, Hanum&a said
unto Raghava, *I will (now) repair unto Sugriva.' When
Hanuman had said this, the righteous Lakshmana duly paying
homage unto the former, addressed RSghava, saying, 'From
the glad way in which this son of the god of the wind is speak-
ing, it appears that he also seeks thy service ; and, arriving
(at this region) thou also, R&ghava^ bast reaped success. He

KlSHKINDHlKlNDAM, 705

speaketh openly with a delightful light in his countenance ;
and cheerfulness. (It seems) that the heroic HanumSn, son
unto the God of wind doth not speak anything that is false.'
Then that vastly wise one Hanuman the son of the wind god
departed, taking with him the heroic descendants of Raghu,
for (presenting them) unto the monarch of monkeys.
Renouncing the guise of a beggar, and assuming the form
of a monkey, that foremost of monkeys went away, placing
those heroes on his back. And then the heroic monkey,
the son of the wind-god, of wide fame, and great prowess,
with his mind perfectly pure, considering himself as crowned
with success, and experiencing exceeding delight, arrived
at that best of mountains in company with Rama and
Lakshmana.

SECTION V.

JiLAViNG departed from Rishyamuka, and arrived at the
Malaya hill, Hanumin informed the king of monkeys of
(the arrival of) the descendants of Raghu. "O exceedingly
wise one^ this one that hath come here is Rama having
truth for his prowess. This is Rama having truth for his
prowess, in company with his brother, Lakshmana. Rama
the son of Dagaratha, is born in the race of the Ikshwakus.
Ever doing the will of his sire, he has been sent hither, in
order that his father's verity may stand in tact. RUma^ who
hath come to the forest, is the son of him who hath propitia-
ted Fire with Rajasuyas and horse sacrifices, — dispensing
Dakshinas and kine by hundreds and thousands — and who
hath governed the earth by asceticism and truthful speech.
His son Rama hath come to the forest through a woman.
While that high-souled one having his senses under control
was dwelling in the woods, his wife was carried off by

7o6 RAmIFANA.

Ravana ; and he (Rama) hath (in consequence) sought thj
protection. Do thou, granting an interview unto the brothers
Rama and Lakshmana — both of them worthy of homage —
who are eager for thy friendship, receive them respectfully."
Hearing HanumSn's words, Sugriva— lord of monkeys,
becoming visible (at his will)^ gladly spake unto RSghava,
''sir^ you are versed in morality, and bear love towards all.
The son of the wind-god hath faithfully described your
virtues unto me. That you, O lord, are anxiousr to contract
friendship with me who am a monkey does me honor and
is my gain. If you relish friendship with me, do you take
this stretched arm and my hand with yours,— and bind
yourself fast with a vow.'' Hearing these sweet words of
Sugriva, (Rima) exceedingly delighted, pressed Sugriva's
hand with his. And contracting friendship with Sugriva,
RSLma experiencing great joy embraced him wandly. Then
that subduer of foes^ HanumSn, leaving off the guise of a
beggar, in his native shape produced a fire with two pieces
of wood. Then worshipping that flaming fire with flowers,
he, well pleased, carefully placed it between them (Rlma and
Sugriva.) Then Sugriva- and RSLghava went round the fire;
and (thus) they were fastened in friendship. And with
delighted hearts, both of them — the monkey and Rftghava
began to gaze at each other, yet they did not feel satiated.
'Thou art the friend of my heart. Our happiness and miseiy
are common," — Sugriva, rejoicing greatly, said these words
unto RSighava. Then spreading a beautifully blossoming
spray of SSLla, full of foliage, Sugriva made an awning and sat
down with R^ghava. Hanum&n, the son of the wind-god
with great joy gave unto Lakshmana a bough of a sandal
tree, plentifully blossoming. Next Sugriva, feeling high
rapture, with his eyes expanded with joy, answered
Rama blandly in sweet words, saying, "Oppressed have I
been, O R2Lma ; and here am always afflicted with fear*
Deprived of my wife, I have, agitated with apprehensioB»

KISHKINDHlKlNDA M 707

sought refuge in this dense wilderness. I am afflicted with
fright, and worried by fear, with my senses bewildered in
this wood. Wronged have I been by Vali, my brother; and I
have incurred his hostility, O Raghava. And, O exalted one,
do thou dispell the fear of me, who am tormented with
fear on account of Vali. And, O K^kutstha, it behoves thee
so to act that I may not become subject to fear.*' Thus
addressed, the powerful* K^kutstha, knowing righteousness,
and devoted to virtue, answered Sugriva, smiling, "O mighty
monkey, that the outcome of amity is good offices I am well
aware of. I will slay that captor of thy wife V§li. These
infallible sharpened shafts of mine, resembling the sun, fea-
thered with the plumes of the Kanka, like unto the thunder-
bolt of the great Indra, having sharp heads and even knots,
like infuriated serpents, — being let go with vehemence,
shall alight upon the impious Vali. Do thou today behold
VSli slain with sharpened shafts, resembling venomous
snakes,— like unto a torn hill lying on the ground." Hearing
those words of Righava fraught with his welfare, Sugriva
supremely rejoiced, said these words, informed with rapture,
'*Thou hero I Thou lion among men ! by thy grace shall I
obtain both my beloved and my monarchy. O God among
men, do thou so deal with that foe, my elder brother, that
he may not again wrong me." The left eyes of Sit5, the
lord of apes, and night rangers, — respectively like the lotus,
gold, and flaming fire, throbbed when the friendship between
RSlma and Sugriva was contracted.

7o8 RjiniXVANA.

SECTION VI.

UGRIVA well pleased again addressed RSghava, the son
of Raghu, saying, *'0 Rama, this servant of thine, foremost of
my counsellors, Hanuman, hath related (unto me), the reason
of thy arrival in this lone forest. Thy wife, Maithili, daughter
unto Janaka, separated from thee as well as the intelligent
Lakshmana, and weeping (in consequence) was carried off by
a Raksha. Seeing for opportunities of doing mischief that
RSlksha, having slain Jatayu, hath caused unto thee the
grief that comes of separation from one's wife. But thou
wilt soon be relieved from the sorrow that comes of separa*
tion from one's wife. Her will I bring like unto the ravished
Deva^ruti. O repressor of foes, whether she be in the
nether regions or under the sky, I will, bringing thy wife, make
her over unto thee. O RSghava, know my words to be true.
O mighty-armed one, like unto poison, thy wife is incapable
of being digested even by the gods and Asuras with Indn
(at their head). O mighty-armed one, leave off sorrow, I
will bring back thy beloved. From guess I find that it was
doubtless Mithila*s daughter whom I saw when she was
being carried away by that RSiksha of terrific deeds. She
was crying, 'R§ma, Rama, Lakshmana, Lakshmana/ and in
the lap of Ravana she looked like the wife of the Snake-chief.
Seeing me along with my four counsellors stationed at the
hill, she dropped down her scarf and her ornaments. All
these, O RSLghava, 1 have taken and kept (with me). I will
bring them. It behoveth thee to recognise them." There-
upon Rima spoke unto the sweet-speeched Sugrivdi 'Bring
(them), at once, my friend. Why dost thou tarry V Having
been thus addressed, Sugriva swiftly entered a deep cavern
in the mountain, with the view of doing what was dear unto
R9ghava. Then taking the scarf as well as the ornanents.

KISHKINDHl Kl NDA M. 7op

"Look at this/* (Saying this) the monkey held them before
Rima. And taking the sheet and the ornaments, (Rama)
had his eyes filled with tears, like the moon covered by the
dew. And from affection for Sita, (Rama,) his eyes filled
with tears, deprived of patience, fell down to the ground.
And placing the elegant ornaments on his bosom, he sighed
again and again, like an enraged serpent in a hole. And
seeing Sumitra's son at his side, R5ma shedding ceaseless
tears, began to lament piteously, *'0 Lakshmana, behold this
scarf and these ornaments which Vaidehi, while being carried
away, let fall from her person to the earth. Surely Sita,
while being ravished, let these fall on a sward, for these
remain as before." Thus accosted, Lakshmana spoke, saying,
"I do not know her bracelets ; I do not kno'v her ear-rings.
But I know full well her bangles on account of my always
bowing down unto her feet.*' Thereupon Raghava said these
words unto Sugriva, "Tell me, O Sugriva, at what place didst
thou see Sita, while she, dear unto me as life, was taken away
by the fierce-looking RSkshasa ? And where doth that
RSiksba, who hath brought on this high peril, and for whom
I will slay all the Rakshasas, live ? He, that hath carried off
Mithila's daughter, and roused my wrath, hath certainly for
his own end, opened the door of death. Tell me all about
that ranger of the night, that deceitfully hath carried away my
dearest wife from the forest. My foe, O lord of monkey,
will I to-day send to the neighbourhood of YSma.**

SECTION VI I.

Xhus addressed by the aggrieved Rama, the monkey,
Sugriva, his accents obstructed by vapour and his eyes filled
with tears, said with joined hands, "I do not know the hidden
abode of that exceedingly wicked RSkshasa, — nor do I know

710 ^RAmIYANA.

Ins heroism and prowess, or the lineage of that one sprung
from a vicitu:s laCv^. O vanquisher of foes, leave off sorrow-
ing. I promise nnlo thee truly, I will exert so that thoa
mayst obtain Maithili. Slaying R^vana with his hosts, and
putting forth my manliness capable of pleasing others, I
will speedily act so that thou mayst be pleased. Do not be
overwhelmed with grief : summon the fortitude that is in *
thee. Such lightness of sense doth not become persons like
thee. I also have experienced mighty disaster arising out of
separation from my wife ; but I do not weep in this wise,—
nor do I forsake my fortitude. A despicable monkey as 1
am, I do not grieve for her, — and what agfain shall I say of
one that is magnanimous, endued with meekness and firm«
ness^ and great ? It behoveth thee to restrain thy falling
tears by patience. It behoveth thee not to resign that
patience which is the dignity of persons possessed of the
quality of goodness. Persons endued with firmness of
understanding by help of their intellecti do not in
calamity consequent on separation from dear ones, or on
the occasion of loss of wealth, or of fear arising from thieves,
wild beasts, &c., or of loss of life itself, lose their self-
possession. He that is senseless as well as he that suffers
himself to be overwhelmed with grief, losing all control over
self, drown themselves in sorrow like a boat bearing a
heavy load in water. I soothe thee from the love I bear
towards thee. Do thou have recourse to manliness. It doth
not behove thee to let grief overcome thee. Those that in-
dulge in sorrow, know no happiness ; and their virtue* goeth
out of them. Therefore it behoveth thee not to grieve.
The life even of him that is mastered by sorrow is in jeopardy.
Therefore, thou foremost of monarchs, leave off that grieL
Do thou entirely have recourse to fortitude. In the spirit
of a friend I tell what is for thy good : I do not instruct
thee. Honor the amity I bear towards thee. It behoveth thee

* In the sense of energj.^-T.

KISHKINDHlRlNDA M. 711

not to weep." Thus sweetly consoled by Sugriva, RSghava
with the end of his cloth wiped his face tarnished with tears.
And after that lord, Kakutstha, had recovered his natural state
through the words of Sugriva, he embraced Sugriva and
addressed him, saying, *'0 Sugriva, that which, pleasing and
profitable, proper and fit, ought to be done by a friend, hath
been done by thee. Solicited by thee, I have, O friend,
regained my natural tone of mind. Such a friend is rare,
specially at such a time. But thou shouldst strive to trace
Maithili as well as bring about the destruction of that fierce
Rlkshasa, the impious Ravana. Do thou also without reserve
say what I shall have to do for thee. Like corn sown in a
fertile field in the rainy season, every concern of thine shall
attain success. O best of monkeys, do thou verily consider
as true the words that I have uttered through affection.
Falsehoods have I never spoken before, nor will I ever say
one (in future). This I promise to thee. I swear by truth
itself." Hearing RSghava's words, and in special his promise,
Sugriva felt exceedingly delighted along with this monkey
ministers. Thus fast bound in friendship, the man and the
monkey conversed with each other about (topics) which each
thought fit, connected with their joys and griefs. Hearing
the words of that illustrious monarch of kings, that hero —
greatest of monkeys — considered and felt in his heart as if
his work had already been accomplished.

SECTION VIII.

OUGRIVA, rejoiced at the words of Rama,»^said unto that
hero, the elder brother of Lakshmana, who was well pleased.
"I am, without doubt, worthy of being favored by the gods,
since thou accomplished and furnished with virtues art my
friend. By thy help, O Rama, one can, O sinless one.

712 RAmIFANA.

obtain the kingdom of the celestials,— what is to be said of
one's kingdom, O lord ? I, who have, in the presence of Fire,
gained for my friend (thee) sprung from the R&ghava race,
am, O Raghava worthy of being honored by my friends and
relations. Thou also shalt by and by learn that I am a fit
friend for thee ; but I can not speak unto thee of the qualities
that abide in me. O free one, the felicity of high-souled and
self-governed friends like thee abounds and is enduring.
Pious friends look upon the silver, and gold, and the elegant
ornaments of pious friends as common property. Whether
rich or poor, happy or miserable, good or bad, a friend b
the greatest refuge (of his friend). Witnessing such affection,
people can, O sinless one, forsake wealth, comfort, and
even their native land for the sake of their friends." There*
at the graceful Rima, in front of the intelligent Lakshmana
resembling Vasava, said unto Sugriva of a pleasing presence,
— '4t is even so/' The next day seeing R&ma as well as
the mighty Lakshmana seated on the ground, Sugrira briskly
cast his eyes about the forest. And hard by that lord of
monkeys discovered a Sdla tree, bearing a few beautifol
blossoms, with its wealth of foliage, decked by blade bees.
Thereat tearing oft a beautiful bough full of leaves, Sugriva
spread it (on the earth), and then sat down with Rftghava.
And seeing them seated, HanumSin breaking off a branch of
SdlUy humbly made Lakshmana sit down. Seeing Rftma seated
at his case in that best of mountains abounding in SUm
flowers, and cheerful like the ocean, Sugriva from love spoke
unto Rama sweet and excellent words, of which the letters
vibrated with delight. ''Wronged by my brother, I deprived
of my wife and exceedingly distressed, and exercised with
fear, live in this foremost of mountains, Rishyamuka. And|
O Raghava, my senses wildered, having been oppressed bf
Vali, and having incurred his enmity, I am afBicted with fear,.
and tormented with fright. O thou, that rcmovest the fear
of all creatures, it behoveth thee who am tormented by iear

KISHKINDHlKlNDA M. 713

and am helpless, to extend thy favor unto roe.'* Thus
accosted, ,that ever energetic one knowing righteousness and
devoted to it, KSLkutstha, smiling, said unto Sugriva, ''Benefits
make friends, while injuries denote enemies. Even this
very day will I slay him that hath deprived thee of thy wife.
O exalted one, these feathered shafts of exceeding energy,
sprung from the KSrtikeya forest, decked with gold, furnished
with the plumes of the Kanka, resembling the thunderbolt of
the great Indra, having smooth knots, and sharp heads, are
like enraged serpents. Thou shalt behold thy brother and
enemy, who is named VSli slain by my shafts, and lying like
a dislodged hill." Hearing Raghava's words, Sugriva — lord
of hosts — felt excess of joy and exclaimed, "Excellent well I
Excellent well !" "O RSma, overwhelmed am I by grief.
Thou art the succour of those afflicted with sorrow. Having
made thee my friend, I express to thee my grief. I have,
in the presence of Fire by giving thee my hand, made thee
my friend. Thou art dearer unto me than life itself. This I
swear unto thee by Truth. Having made thee my friend, I
inspired with confidence am unbosoming myself to thee.
The sorrow, that is in my heart, is constantly enfeebling
my mind." Having proceeded thus far, he, his eyes filled
with tears and his words faltering because of vapour, could
not speak aloud. And Sugriva suddenly restrained, before
RiLma, the force of tears, like unto the tide of a river. And
having restrained his tears and wiped his fair eyes, that
energetic one, sighing heavily, again went on, — ''Formerly, O
RSma, I was deprived of my kingdom and reproached in
harsh language by the strong Vali. And he also took away
my wife dearer unto me than life ; and my friends have Jbeen
imprisoned and been bound. That wicked wight, O Righava,
seeks my life. Many monkeys commissioned by him have
been slain by me. It was, O R^ghava, in consequence of
this fear that when I (first) saw thee, I did not come out.
This is all the fear that oppresses me. My adherents are

714 RAMlYANA.

only these headed by Hanum&n. It is for thb that al-
though reduced to 'the greatest straits I have been able to
preserve my life. These affectionate apes protect me on all
sides. They go when I go, and stay when I stay. Why
should I expatiate ? In brief, VSLli my elder brother, famed
for his prowess, is my foe. Even by his death my present
pain would be removed. Both my life' and my happiness
arc bound up with his death. I have, O R&ma, communi*
cated unto thee^ the way in which my grief might be
removed. Whether in joy or in sorrow, a friend b the
refuge of his friend." Hearing these words, R&ma said unto
Sugriva, ''What for arose hostility between thyself and VUi?
I wish to hear this (related) faithfully. Having learnt the
cause of your hostility, and ascertained your strength and
weakness, I will, O monkey, understanding the irritatioa
that hath ensued, compass thy happiness. Great is nj
wrath, on hearing thee disgraced \ and like a downpour in the
rainy season my ire increases, shaking my very heart* Do
thou cheerfully and confidingly speak while I fix tlie string
to my bow. As soon as my shaft is off, thy foe is beaten."
Thus addressed by the high-souled K&kutstha, Sugriva, along
with the four (other) monkeys, experienced exceeding ddight
Then with a cheerful countenaAce, Sugriva began to unioU
unto Lakshmana's elder brother the cause of tbeir hovtility.

SECTION IX.

JxLy elder brother named Vftli— destroyer of foes^
formerly highly honored both by my father and mjradL At
the death of our father, the counsellors^ sayingi-^^Thin httt
eldest son', made him, who was well loved (of all)f loid of At
monkeys in the kingdom. While he was governing tte
kingdom which had belonged to his father and grmd-ftftat

kishkindhIkAnda m. 715

Ii at all times^ in humiliation, remained like a servant. There
was one endued with energy, named Mayavi. He was the
eldest son of Dunduvi. Formerly there alrose a mighty
hostility between himself and Vali. And it came to pass
that one night when all had fallen asleep, (MaySLvi) coming
to KishkindhSi, began to emit roars in great wrath, and
challenged Vili to an encounter. My brother, who was fast
asleep, bearing those dreadful yells, could not bear them ;

but at once rushed out vehemently. And as he rushed out in
wrath, for the purpose of slaying that foremost of Asuras, he
was opposed by his wives as well as myself, who humbled
himself before him. But moving them aside, that exceeding-
ly powerful one sallied out. Thereupon out of affection I
also went out with VSLli. And seeing my brorher and me
present from a distance, the Asura, seized with a panic,
fled with speed. And as he was rushing on in fear and when
we had proceeded further, the moon arising, discovered the
way. And the Asura, coming by a capacious and impregnable
hole covered with grass (on the surface)^ entered it amain ;
and we remained there. Seeing his enemy enter the hole,
Vftli, overcome by anger, and with his senses agitated, spoke
unto me, saying^ *'Do thou, O Sugriva, carefully stay at the
mouth of the hole, while I entering in, slay my foe in battle.''
Hearing his speech, that subduer of foes was besought by
me (for permission to enter the cave along^ with him). But
making me swear by touching his feet he entered the
cave. And after he had entered the cave, and as I re«
mained at its mouth, a space of over a complete year
rolled away. And seized with sorrow (I reflected), 'As
I do not see my brother, he must be lost' — ^and my mind
was alarmed, apprehending his death. After a long time,
I saw frothy blood issuing from the cave. Thereat I was
greatly aggrieved. And roars of Asuras also reached
my ears ; but I could not hear the cries of my superior, en-
gaged in conflict. And from these signs concluding my

7i6 RlRjlFANA.

brother to be slain, I, closing the mouth of the cavern with
a crag, huge as a hill, and afflicted with grief, after perform-
ing his watery rites, came (back) to Kishkindhi, O my friend.
And although I carefully concealed (the matter), the coun-
sellers heard it all. There they, assembled together, installed
me (in the kingdom). And, as I was ruling the kingdom
with justice, it came to pass that after having slain his foe,
the Dinava, that monkey (VSili) came to Kishkindha. Then
seeing me installed, he, with his eyes reddened in wrath,
slaying my counsellors, spoke harsh words to me. And
although I was capable of chastising him, yet my mind
influenced by a sense of my brother's dignity, did not incline
towards that sin. Having slain his foe, he then entered his
city ; and I, honoring that high-souled one, duly saluted him.
He withal did not with a glad heart utter his benediction.
And, O lord, I, bowing, touched his feet with my crown ^ yet
from anger Vaii did not extend to me his grace."

SECTION X.

"T.

HEN wishing for my welfare I strove to propitiate
my angry brother, wrought up with wrath, who was seated
(there). By goo#luck it is that thou hast come off safely;
and that thou hast slain the foe. O thou that rejoicest the
forlorn, thou art the only protector of me who am helpless.
I hold this umbrella furnished with many ribs, resembling
the moon risen ; as well as this chowri containing hair,— do
thou accept my service. O king, suffering greatly, I remained
for a whole year at the mouth of the cave. And seeing blood
issuing from the cave, I had my heart agitated with grief
and my senses extremely overwhelmed. Then closing up
the mouth of the cavern with a mountain summit, and
returning from that place, I again came back to Kishkindha.

KISHKINDHlKA NBA M. 717

Seeing me enter in a dejected mood, the citizens and coun-
sellors installed me, but it was not done with my will. There-
fore it behoves thee to forgive me. Thou art the king, O
worthy of honor ; and I am, as before, ever (thy servant). I
was entrusted with regal power in consequence of thy
absence. This kingdom consisting of courtiers and citizens^
remains now rid of its thorns. It was established in me as a
trust. And I protected it as 'such. Do not get wroth, O mild
one, O destroyer of foes. I beseech thee with bent head,
and, O king, with joined hands. With the view of preventing
any one to wish to conquer this kingdom vacant (of its
ruler), the citizens and counsellors unanimously, by force,
entrusted me with regal authority.*'' As I said this softly, the
monkey reproaching me, said unto me 'Fie on thee,' and
censured me greatly. And bringing together the subjects
and favorite counsellors, spoke unto me, before friends, highly
improper words. *Ye know that formerly one night the
mighty Asura MaySvi, getting enraged, challenged me (to a
fight) desirous of an encounter with me. Hearing his speech
I sallied out of the palace, and was followed by this horrible
brother of mine. Thereat seeing me with one to assist me,
and finding that we had come upon him, that mighty Asura,
fled, seized with fear. And fleeing on, he (at length) swiftly
entered a huge hole. Knowing that he had entered that
dreadful and large cave, I spoke unto my brother of a crooked
presence,— Without slaying (this Asura) I cannot return to
the palace. Do thou wait at the mouth of the cave while I
slay him. This one is stationed here — thinking thus, I
entered that inaccessible cave. And as I searched (for the
Asura), one entire year passed away. And that wicked
wight who had roused my alarm in consequence of his dis-
appearance, was (at length) slain by me in one day, along
with his friends. Then as he emitted yells in the subterrane-
an region, the cave was filled with his blood and it became
difficult to come out of it. Having with ease slain my

7i8 RlMlYANA.

powerful foe, I could not find the outlet of the cavern, its
mouth having been closed. Then as I again and again cried
**Sugriva, Sugriva," I became exceedingly sorry for not
receiving any reply. Thereat I threw down the stone after
striking it many times with my legs. Then coming out by
its mouth, I have come to this city. Seeking my kingdom,
the crafty Sugriva had shut me up there, forgetting fraternal
love.' Saying this, that monkey, the* shameless VUli, exiled
me with a single cloth on. O RSlghava, I have been dis«
comfitted by him, and been deprived of my wife. And from
fear of him, I have wandered over the whole earth having
forest and seas. And aggrieved in consequence of my having
been deprived of my wife, I have (at length) entered this
best of mountains, Rishyamuka, which for a certain reason"^
is incapable of being approached by Vili. Thus have I
mentioned unto thee the great cause of this hostility, O
Raghava, innocent as. I am, I have come by this mighty
misfortune. O thou that inspirest the fear of all creatures,
by chastising Vali it behoveth thee to grant thy grace unto
me, who am tormented with fear in connection with Vali,
O hero." Thus accosted, that energetic one knowing righte-
ousness, smiling, began to address Sugriva in words fraught
with morality. These sharpened shafts of mine, resembling
the sun, and never missing, shall furiously fall upon the
wicked Vali. So long as thou dost not see that stealer of
thy wife, so long only shall the impious Vali of vile character,
live. By what I myself feel, I see that thou hast sunk in a
sea of sorrow. But I will deliver thee; and thou shalt attain
both thy wife as well as this kingdom. Hearing that speech
of his, capable of enhancing joy and manliness, Sugriva
overjoyed, spoke those words informed with high sense.

* In coosequence of Matanga's curse. — T.

KISHKINDHlKlNDA M. 719

SECTION XI.

.:00^

JILearing RSlma's words capable of enhancing joy and
manliness, Sugriva highly honored the former and extolled
him, saying, "Enraged, thou, with thy sharp and flaming
shafts, capable of piercing into the vitals, canst burn up the
worlds, like the sun at the universal dissolution. Heedfully
hearing from me of VSli's strength, prowess and fortitude,
do thou afterwards, ascertain what is fit. Before the sun
rises, VJlH can easily range the ocean from west to east and
from south to north. Ascending the tops of mountains, Vali
possessed of prowess throws up their summits, and then
again swiftly holds them. And displaying his strength, V§Ii
vehemently crushes in the woods various stout trees. There
•was one assuming the shape of buffaloe named Dunduvi,
resembling in splendour the summit of Kaila9a. That one
possessed of prowess had the strength of an hundred elephants.
That wicked one of a gigantic body inflated by his prowess
and blinded by the boon he had received once went to that
lord of streams — the Sea. Passing beyond the Sea, with
waves upon him, — and containing heaps of gems, he said unto
the mighty deep— "Grant me battle." Thereat the righteous-
souled and mighty Ocean arose and, O king^ said these words
unto that Asura, who had been urged by Death. O thou
that art skilled in fight, I am not competent to offer thee
fight ; but listen to me who will tell thee who shall offer the
fight. There is a monarch of mountains in a mighty forest,
—the great refuge of asceticism, the worker of the weal
(of all), an Asura, celebrated by the name of HimavSln con-
taining great cascades and furnished with many fountains
and caves. He can compass thy incomparable pleasure.
Concluding that the ocean was afraid, that foremost of
Asuras, presented himself in the wood of Himav&n, like a

720 RAjHAyANA.

shaft shot from a bow. Thereupon Dundhuvi began to throw
down many white crags resembling the foremost of elephants ;
and sent up shouts. Then resembling white clouds, mild and
possessed of a pleasing shape, HimavSn, stationed on the
summit, spoke, "O Dundhuvi, O thou that art attached to right-
eousness, it behoveth thee not to distress me. I am the
refuge of all those ascetics who are not expert in military
arts/' Hearing those words of that intelligent lord of mountains
Dundhuvi, with reddened eyes, said :«-" Afraid of me and
hence void of energy if thou art incapable of fighting with
me, do thou name him who is ready to fight with me who am
desirous of entering into conflict." Hearing these words
the virtuous-souled HimavSln, skilled in speecb, spoke unto
that great Asura, exercised with ire. ''O greatly wise one,
there lives in Kishkindh^, of incomparable beauty, the mighty
and highly graceful monkey — the son of Sakra, by name
Vail. That mighty wise one, skilled in warfare, is capable
of fighting with thee on equal terms like unto Nan^ochi with
Vasava. Do thou speedily repair unto him if dost thou wish
for a conflict. He is always expert in military exploits and
is hard to repress.'^ Hearing Him&van's words, Dundhuvi,
inflamed with ire, went to KishkindhSl-^Vali's . capital
Assuming the figure of a terrible buffaloe, .with sharpened
horns like unto a cloud big with water, ranging on the sky
in the rainy season, and approaching the gate of Kishkindhl
that highly powerful one set up a terrible roar, shakiag
the earth like unto the sound of a kettle-drum. Like unto
an elephant he felled, out of haughtiness, the trees around,
and rent the earth with his hoofs scraping it with his
horns. Vali was in the female-apartment at that time, and
unable to bear the sound came out with his wives like ubIo
the Moon with stars. Thereupon that lord of monkeys sad
other wild animals, spoke openly unto Dundhuvi, sayings
''O Dundhuvi, obstructing this my city-gate, why dost tboB
set up a terrible roar ? Dost thou know my mightv Strang^ f

KISHKINDHlKlNDA M, 721

Do thou save thy own life." Hearing those words of that
intelligent lord of monkeys, Dundhuvi, with reddened eyes
spoke : —''0 hero, it becometh thee not to speak thus before
thy wives. Do thou enter into conflict with me and thy prowess
shall be ascertained thereafter. Or I shall suppress my
wrath for this night and do thou, O monkey, enjoy till the
rise of the Sun. Embracing all the monkeys, inviting all thy
friends, do thou, that art the lord of the monkey herds,
honor them with gifts. Do thou survey Kiskindha and make
thy children kings. And do thou enjoy 'vith thy wives — it
is me that shall crush down thy pride. He, who destroyeth
a person who is given up to drinking, reckless, emaciated and
deprived of weapons, and one like thee, sunk in the abyss
of voluptuousness, committeth the sin consequent upon the
destruction of an embryo," Whereto replied VSli, laughing,
unto that wicked lord of Asuras, leaving aside all his
wives, headed by TSrS. "If thou art not afraid of fighting,
do not consider me as one given up to drinking only.
Do thou regard this my attachment as a draught in this
conflict, to be drunk by the heroes." Saying this, Vali,
taking his golden garland, conferred on him by his father
Mahendra, addressed himself for the conflict. Holding him
by the horns, Vali, that lord of monkeys, setting up a
terrible roar, hurled Dundhuvi resembling a mountain.
And bellowing a thundering voice, Vali crushed (him) down.
And blood began to trickle down from the pores of his ears.
Both of them desired to subdue each other — and thus
there arose a terrible conflict between Vili and Dundhuvi.
Thereupon fought VSLli equalling Sakra in prowess, by fists
knees, legs, stones and trees. And thus there was a skirmish
between the monkey chief and the Asura. And in this
conflict Asura's strength was greatly reduced, while that of
Sakra's son was highly enhanced. Holding up Dundhuvi
he threw him on the ground. And in that dreadful skirmish
Dundhuvi was greatly reduced. And there was a profusion

9«

722 lilAJiyANA.

of blood falling from the ears of that one crushed down.
Thereupon that one of mighty arms fell down to the earth
and breathed his last. And taking up with his arms that
hfeless one, the mighty VStli hurled him with great force at
distance of a yojana. While thus thrown down by force,
drops of blood, falling from his mouth, driven by the wind,
fell upon the asylum of the ^reat Saint Matanga. O great
one, beholding the drops of blood there, the great ascetic,
angered, thought within himself — "Who might be the author
of this sprinkling of blood ? Who is that wicked-souled,
vicious-minded, stupid person, who hath all on a sudden
sprinkled me with blood ?" Saying this, that best of saints
issued out (of the hermitage) and surveyed a lifeless buffalo
lyinp^ on the earth,like unto a huge mountain. And apprehend-
ing hy virtue of his asceticism that this hath been committed by
a monkey, he imprecated a mighty curse on the perpetrator
(of that iniquitous deed). — "He shall not enter here who hath
spoiled the sanctity of my forest with showers of blood.
And surely he shall be killed (on entering). Forsooth shall
that wicked one cease to exist if he strideth within ^yojanM
around my asylum, who hath felled these trees by throwing
the body of the Asura. His counsellors or any one related
to him, who shall resort to this my forest (shall meet with
the self-same fate). They shall not live here; hearing this
from me let them take their own ways. And even if they
live here, forsooth, shall I curse them too. This my forest
is being protected by me every day like unto my own son—
and the monkeys are always used to destroy its leaves, trees
and roots. Forgive them I to-day — ^but if I find any to-
morrow, he shall be turned into stone for many -thonsaiKl
years/' Hearing those words of the saint, the monkey herd
issued out (of the forest). And beholding them (coming
out of the forest) Vali spoke — "Why have ye all — ^thedwellen
of the Matanga forest approached me — Is it all well wtt
you?' Thereupon they related unto Vili, wearing a gofakt

KISHKINDHAkINDA M. yzz

garland, the Cause of the Saint's curse by him and other
monkeys. Hearing those words, Vali approached that great
ascetic and solicited him with folded hands. Disregarding
him, the ascetic entered into his asylum and Vali was over-
whelmed with the fear of curse. O Lord of men, afraid of
the curse that monkey chief purposed to repair unto the
mount Rishyamuka. Knowing for certain, O Rama, that
hp shall not enter this forest, I have been living here
with my ministers, devoid of fear and grief. Here is
the collection of Dundhuvi's bones, killed on account of
his own haughtiness, resembling a huge mountain. These
are the seven huge Sala trees, clothed in branches, which
Vali could simultaneously divest of leaves by virtue of his
prowess. I have related unto thee, O Rama, the incomparable
prowess of his. Do thou tell me now, O hero, how canst thou
destroy him in the conflict ?" Unto Sugriva speaking thus,
Lakshmana smiling replied : — ''Performing what, shalt thou
confide in (RSlma's ability) to destroy Vali ?" Thereupon
Sugriva bespake him — " These seven Sala trees, before thee,
the mighty Vali, formerly pierced, all at a time, with one
shaft. If Rama can aim at one of these only with one
arrow and if he can, O Lakshmana, throw the bones of this
dead buffalo at a distance of two* hundred bows — I shall
consider Vali slain." Having addressed Rama thus, Sugriva,
having blood-red eyes, thought aside for a moment and again
spoke unto Kakuthstha : — *'He is heroic and proud of his
prowess — his heroism and strength are known all over the
world. He is a mighty monkey and incapable of being
repressed in a battle. His actions are such as are above the
power of the celestials. Revolving them within myself and
terrified I have repaired to this mount Rishyamuka. And
thinking of that lord of monkeys, unconquerable and irre-
pressible I dare not leave this Rishyamuka. And exercised
with fear and anxiety, therefore, I have been wandering in
this mighty forest along with my devoted counsellors, headed

724 RlMlFANA.

by HanumSln. And having secured io thee a worthy and
sincere friend, O best of men, O thou that art loving
unto thy friends^ I have taken thy shelter like unto HimSvat
himself. Cognizant am I of the prowess of my highly power-
ful and wicked brother, but I have never witnessed thine in
a conflict, O R3ghava. I do not compare thee with VSh',
nor do I disregard or frighten thee — forsooth have I greatly
been alarmed by his terrible actions. O RSghava, thy words,
patience and figure are the proofs of thy heroism— truly do
they bespeak of thy valour like unto fire hidden by ashes."
Hearing those words of the high-souled Sugriva, Rlma,
smiling, spoke unto that monkey, saying — "O monkey, if
thou dost not confide in my valour, soon shall I create thy
confidence about my warlike abilities.'^ Having thus ad-
dressed Sugriva and consoling him, the highly powerful
Raghava, of mighty arms — Lakshmana's elder brother, lifting
up easily with his thumb the dried frame of that Asnra—
Dundhuvi — hurled it at a distance of ten yoyanas. Beholding
that Asura's body thrown thus, Sugriva, again addressed
unto the heroic R^ma, before Lakshmana and the monkej
herd, the following pregnant words: — "Friend, formerfy
this body was wet and corpulent, and it was thrown witk
great difficulty by my brother VSli, mad with voluptnousnesi
And O RSghava, it is now divested of flesh and hence lifh
like unto grass and consequently it has been hurled by thee
with ease, O descendant of Raghu. And unable am I Io
ascertain who is the mightier ? There is a good deal A
difference, O Raghava, between a body, wet and dried.
There is still doubt, O worshipful one, which of you is the
mightier? Truly shall thy strength be manifested in tk
piercing of one of these Sala trees. Having stringed thf
bow like unto the trunk of an elephant and stretching it to
thy cars, do thou shoot this mighty arrow. Doubt thfff
is none that this arrow flung by thee shall bore this SA
tree. There is no need of discussion any more ; do thoo

KISHKINDHlKlNDAM. 725

forih^ O king, what dost Ihou think proper for me, con-
tracted, as thou hast, friendship with me, with a solemn
vow. Like unto the sun amongst the planets, like unto the
HimSlaya amongst the mountains, like unto the lion amongst
the quadrupeds thou art the foremost of men in prowess."

SECTION XII

H EARING those pleasant words of Sugriva, the highly
effulgent R2lma, to create his confidence, took up his bow.
That one, conferring honors upon others, holding his ter-
rible bow and a shaft, darted it towards the SdlUy filling all
the quarters with a sound. The arrow, clear as the gold
itself, hurled by that one of mighty strength, perforating the
trees,entered into the mountainous expanse and the sevenfold
regions of the earth. And that shaft, gifted with wonder-
ful velocity, piercing all the trees entered again into the
quiver. Having beheld those seven trees bored by
RSma's arrow, that monkey chief attained to an excess of
surprise. Thereupon Sugriva, exceedingly glad, and de-
lighted with his actions, bowing down his head on the earth
and stretching his ornamented person on the ground, addressed
with clasped hands, that heroic descendant of Raghu — Rama,
the foremost of those conversant with religious lore, with
the following pious words — '*0 best of men, O lord, what of
vail, thou art capable of destroying with thy arrows, in
the conflict, even the celestials headed by Indra. O Kakutstha,
who can stand before thee in a battle, who hath pierced the
seven trees, and the mountain, and the earth with one
arrow ? Obtaining thee as my friend like unto Mahendra and
Varuna, my grief hath been removed and I have attained
. to an excess of delight. Do thou, O Kakutstha, even to-day
J, destroy, for my welfare, my brother VSli. This I do pray

726 RA^llYANA.

unto thee with folded hands." Thereupon embracing
Sugriva^ of a pleasant countenance and like unto Lakshmana,

the highly wise Rama spoke unto him, saying, "Soon

shall we repair unto Kishkindha. — Do thou go before, 0
Sugriva, and invite thy false brother, V2lH, to battle." There-
upon proceeding quickly to KishkindhSl, Vftli's capital — they
all stood waiting in that dense forest, hiding themselves
under the trees. With a view to call Vftli, Sugriva, tying
fast his cloth (around the waist) set up a terrible roar, as if
rending the sky (therewith"). Hearing the terrible uproar
of his brother, the mighty VSli, highly angered, issued out
of his city, like nnto the Sun from the western shores (where
he sets). Thereupon there arose a mighty conflict between
Vali and Sugriva like unto the planets Mercury and Mars
fighting with each other on the sky. The two brothers,
exercised with ire, struck each other with palms like unto
A^ani and with fists resembling adamant. Thereupon RSma,
with bow in hand, beheld those two heroes resembling each
other, like unto two A^wins. And R3ghava did not discharge
that mortal shaft untill he could perfectly ascertain who was
Vali and who was Sugriva. In the mean time, being defeated
by V^li, Sugriva fled away and not beholding RSlghava,
proceeded towards Rishyamuka. And wearied, worn out with
blows, and having his person bathed in blood, he, followed by
Vali, angered, entered that mighty forest. Beholding him
enter that forest, the highly powerful VSli could not pursue
him there for fear of the curse but said : — '*Thou art released
to-day." And Ra^hnva too, with his brother and Hanumfto,
entered that forest, where the monkey chief Sugriva was.
nohohiing RSima approach with Lakshmana, Sugriva, stricken
with shame and casting his looks on the earth, addressed
liim poorly, with the following words : — "Accosting me with
Mo thou call (Vali),' disphiying thy valour and making me
struck by the enemy, uhat improper, conduct hast thoushoiiTi
by me ? Thou should-t have spoken me then truly, O Rlghava,

KISHKINDHlKlNDAM. J27

•— '*I shall not destroy Vali" and I would not have gone there
The high-souled Sugriva speaking thus poorly, Raghava again
spoke unto him, saying : — ''Do thou hear, O Sugriva, O
worshipful one, why I did not discharge my arrow then.
By ornaments, dress, stature and movements thyself and
VSLli are just the same, O Sugriva. By voice, by words, by
looks or by valour, O monkey, I could not make out any
distinction. O best of monkeys, being thus surprised by
Hie similarity of your countenances I could not discharge
that foe-destroying and quick-coursing shaft. I was so
afraid of thy resemblance with Vali that I thought that lest the
mortal shaft might destroy thee. O hero, O lord of monkeys,
if any disaster befalleth thee, who art already overwhelmed
with miseries, through my ignorance or childishness, they
shall be known all over the world. Mighty is the sin that
ariseth from the destruction of one who hath been oftered
shelter. Myself, Lakshmana, and that exquisitely fine
damsel — Sita — are all at thy service — thou art our only refuge
in this forest. Do thou again enter into conflict, therefore,
and do not fear, O monkey. And do thou behold even, in
this very moment, Vali, moving restlessly on the breast of
the earth, wounded by my shaft. Do thou make some mark
on thy person, O lord of monkeys, by which I shall be able
to recognize thee when engaged in a duel (with thy brother).
O Lakshmana, plucking this auspicious Gaja flower, do
thou put it round the neck of the high-souled Sugriva.'*
Thereat that highly graceful one with the garland around his
neck appeared like unto a cloud. And appearing in a graceful
person and attentive to Rama's words he again entered
KishkindhS with him.

728 RAA^AFANA.

SECTION XIII.

X HEREUPON the high-souled RSma, along with Sagriva,
proceeded from the mount Rishyamuka to KishkiudhI,
maintained by V^li's prowess, raising up his gold crested
mighty bow and taking his battle arrows like unto Aditya.
The mighty Sugriva, bending low, proceeded before the higli-
souled RSLma and Lakshmana. They were followed by tlie
heroic HanumSin, the mighty Nala and Neela, and the higUy
powerful Tara, the leader of the monkey herd. They beheld as
they proceeded, trees, lowered down with the weight of flowers,
rivers of clear water flowing to the ocean, mountain hollows,
hills, caves, cavities, and principal peaks and charming rills.
They beheld on their way, pools filled with water clear as
Baidurya and beautified with lotuses — full blown and buds,
and resounded with the cries of K&randhabas^ swans, geese,
Banchulasy water-fowls, Chakraiakas, and various other
birds. They surveyed all around in the forest-land, deer
ranging fearlessly at large and grazing on tender grass.
They beheld frightful wild elephants having white teetk,
ranging alone — the destroyers of river banks and enemies
of pools. And observing many an infuriated monkey like
unto elephants, resembling so many moveable mountains
riving the mountainous expanses crusted with dust, and
many other wild beasts and birds the followers of Sugriva
wended their way. They proceeding quickly, Rlma, the
descendant of Raghu, beholding the forest filled with treefli
spake unto Sugriva, saying — ''These trees skirted bj plantain
groves, dense as a collection of clouds, appear as clouds in
the sky. Great is my curiosity, O friend, to learn what are
these. And I wish to have my curiosity removed by thee.*
Hearing the words of the high-souled RSghava, Sugriva
began to describe that great forest.— "In this extensive

kishkindhXkInda M 729

asylum, O Raghava, removing the toil (of the travellers)
filled with gardens and trees and abounding in delicious
fruits, roots and water, dwelt seven Saints, having control
over their senses. Those seven Saints, dwelling on the
mountain, passed days and nights in water with their heads
down and after seven nights used to live upon air. Xn
this Wise, passing seven hundred years they repaired bodily
unto heaven. By virtue of their asceticism, this asylum is
walled by trees and incapable of being conquerred even by
Indra, the celestials and the Asuras. Birds or other wild
animals do not enter this asylum ; whoever entereth this by
mistake never returneth. There is audible, O RSlghava, the
Sound of the dressing of Apsaras. their sweet- winged accents
and that of their music and drums ; and herein pervadeth the
celestial fragrance. Hereburneth the fire Tre^d; and the smoke
and cloud sable like unto the wings of a pigeon envelope the
tops of the trees. And there appear the trees^ having their
tops saturated with smoke and cloaked with clouds, like
unto so many Baidurya hills. Do thou, O RSlghava, O
virtuous-souled one, make obeisance unto them along with
thy brother Lakshmana, with concentrated heart and folded
palms. There resteth no sin in their persons, O RSlma, who
bow unto those self-controlled Saints." Thereupon Rama,
along with his younger brother Lakshmana, made obeisance
unto those high-souled ones. And having paid homage (unto
the sacred memory of those great ones) the virtuous-souled
Rima, his (younger) brother Lakshmana, Sugriva and other
monkeys, proceeded with delighted hearts. And wending
a distant way from that hermitage of the seven great ones,
they beheld KishkindhSL, hard to conquer and occupied by
Vaii. Thereupon, R§ma, his younger brother and the
monkeys taking their weapons, entered, to encompass the
destruction of their enemies, the city (of Kishkindha) reared
by the prowess of Indra's son.

730 RAMI y ANA.

SECTION XIV.

X HEY all, repairing quickly unto Kishkiadhfti Vftli's capital,
stood waiting in the dense forest, hiding themselves behind
the trees. Casting his looks all around in the forest, Sogriva,
having a huge neck and fond of woods, became ezceedingij
enraged. Setting up a terrible uproar and rending the
sky with his cry (Sugriva) encircled by his kinsmen, inTited
(Vali) to battle. Thereupon roaring like unto a huge dood,
preceded by a mighty wind,Sugriva,gifted with leonine motioDi
and resembling the newly risen Sun, finding Rftma expeit is
business, spake unto him, saying :«-'*Thou hast readied
KishkindhSl. V&li's capital, adorned with gold, filled with
pennons and instruments and surrounded by monkeys. Ds
thou make good thy promise, O hero, tboa hadst made
before to encompass the destruction of VUi like unto tk
season making the creepers filled with fruits." Being fim
accosted by Sugriva, the virtuous-souled Righava, the slajcr
of foes, addressed him with the following words :*— >'*UprDOtim
the Gaja creeper, Lakshmana, hath placed it around tlf
neck as an emblem (to distinguish thee). Thou dost appev
more beautiful, O hero, with this creeper around thy aecfc
like unto the sun on the sky engarlanded by the stars. I
shall, O monkey, by the discharge of one shaft in the conficA
destroy thy fear and enmity proceeding from V&li. Dotboi
show me, O Sugriva, thy enemy, in the guise of a
Wounded (by my shaft) V^li shall roll in the dust in
forest. And if regaining his life he comes in thy vien
thou leave this field, showering abuses upon me. Thoa MAl
behold seven Talas riven by a single shaft of mine
thou therefore consider VSili destroyed to-day by my piOMilL
in the conflict. Though fallen in distress before, I SMilk
spoke an untruth, being always guided by an a '

KISHKINDHAKANDAM. 73 «

acquire virtue. Like unto the deity of hundred sacrifices
causing the rice fields bring forth their fruits by means of
profuse showers, I shall fulfill my promise by dint of my
prowess. Do thou therefore renounce all doubts about it.
Do thou call Vali, wearing a golden garland. Do thou make
such a soundy O Sugriva, as may bring out that monkey chief
A (from his city). He hath subdued his breath, is proud of
=^ victory and fond of warfare ; thou couldst not repress him
before. Forsooth that V§li shall come out, leaving the
company (of his wives). Hearing the war cry of his enemy,
he shall never put up with it, specially, as he boasteth 6E
bis prowess before his wives." Hearing Rama's words.
Sugrivai having a gold-yellow hue, set up a terrible roar,
as if riving the sky. Terrified by that sound, the kine,
losing their countenance do move hither and thither like unto
damsels, oppressed on account of their kings' neglecting
{to protect them). And the deer fly away like unto the
liorses defeated in a warfare. And the birds fall down on
tbe earth, like unto planets, losing their purity. Thereupon
confiding in Raima's words, that son, of Suryya (Sun) having
bis energy enhanced by means of his prowess resembling the
ocean agitated by the wind, began to roar like unto cloud.

SECTION XV.

y/S HILE residing in the female apartment, Vali heard the
uproar of that high-souled Sugriva — his wrathful brother.
And hearing that mighty roar, shaking the whole world of
creation, his pride was in no time, crushed and he attained
%o an excess of ire. Thereupon, Vali, having a golden hue,
^catly exercised with wrath, instantly lost the effulgence of
lis person like unto the sun possessed by Rahu. And looking
terrible by his teeth and having eyes resembling burning fire

732 RAmIFANA.

in consequence of ire he appeared like unto a pond, having
the lotuses thereof uprooted with their stalks and fibres. And
hearing that unbearable sound, the monkey, issued out speedily,
as if riving the earth with his foot marks. Embracing him
warmly and showing her affection, TSrS, afraid and mortified,
addressed him with the following words, presaging his
future welfare : — "Do thou renounce, O hero, this thy ire,
coming like the course of a river, like unto one, leaving
aside the garland, which he used in the night, after rising
from bed. O monkey chief, do thou engage with him in
conflict, tomorrow. O hero, thy enemy is very insignificant
and hence there wiU be no deterioration on thy part. Thy
hastily issuing out doth not please me ; do thou hear, why
I do prevent thee. Formerly this Sugriva invited thee
angrily to battle and being defeated and wounded by
thee fled away. That one, who had been defeated and
harassed by thee formerly, is now calling thee. Indeed it hath
excited my fear. His pride, his energy, and his terrible uproar
do indicate that there is nothing insignificant (at the
bottom). I do not think Sugriva has come here without any
to assist him. Forsooth he hath taken shelter of some body,
and securing which he hath been setting up such a terrible
uproar. That monkey \s clever by nature and gifted with
intellect. And Sugriva shall not desire friendship with any
one without having a test of his prowess. Hearken, O hero,
I shall relate unto thee today, the auspicious words, I heard
ere this, from the prince Angada. He hath related unto me
all about Sugriva, what he heard from his emmissaries while
journeying in the forest. The two heroic sons of the king of
AyodhyS — Rama and Lakshmana, incapable of being
defeated in a battle and born in the race of Ikshawkus, have
repaired unto woods. To accomplish Sugriva's welfare, those
two heroes, hard to repress, have come here. He is the
main stay of thy brother in the battle; Rama hath sprung
up like unto the fire of dissolution and is the repressor of

KISHKINDHlRlNDA M, 733

enemy's prowess. He is the refuge of the saints and the
^rime shelter of the afflicted. He is the protector of those
grinded by their enemies and is the only possessor of fame.
He is gifted with knowledge and intellect and ever abideth
by his sire's commandments. Like unto Himalaya, the
king of mountains, containing diverse metals, he is the
mine of various accomplishments. It doth not behove
thee therefore to enter into conflict with that high-souled
RSma, incomparable in prowess and hard to conquer in
battle. Hearken, O hero, I desire to speak something more
— -I do not wish to excite thy wrath. Do thou instantly
confer upon Sugriva, the dignity of heir apparent (to thy
throne). O hero, O king; do not quarrel with thy y.ounger
brother. I do consider it thy welfare to contract friendship
with R&ma and regain Sugriva's affections, renouncing all
thy inimical feelings. This thy younger brother, even when
remaining at a distance, should always be maintained by thee.
Whether by thee, or at a distance, he is always thy best
friend — I do not find his equal on earth. By conferring on
him gifts and honors do thou receive him back. And do thou
renounce thy enmity and let him sit by thee. Methinks,
that large-necked Sugriva is thy best friend — there is no
other resource for thee than to secure thy brother's friendship.
If thou dost wish to go by my desire, if thou dost regard
roe as thy well-wisher, do thou perform what I do request
thee for thy welfare. Be pleased and hear my beneficial
words. It doth not behove thee to yield to the influence of ire
—thy conflict with that son of the king; of Ko9ala, gifted with
the prowess of Sakra, will not conduce to thy welfare."
Thereupon TSrS spoke unto V§li these suitable and well-
meaning words — but they did not satisfy him, possessed by
Kala, as he was, on the eve of his destruction.

734 RAmIFANA.

SECTION XVI.

jSLfter Tara, having a moon-like countenancei bad
spoken thus, Vali, remonstrated with her and said — "O thou
of exquisite loveliness, my brother, and specially my enemy,
is roaring lowly and haughtily — and how shall I put up with
it ? O timid damsel, heroes, who have never been defeated
and have never fled away from the battle field, had rather
meet with death than put up with this ignominy. I am incapable
of bearing this proud uproar of Sugriva, having a defective
neck and desirous of entering into conflict with me. Fear-
ing danger from RSighava, thou needst not entertain any
anxiety on my account. Why shall that virtuous-souled and
grateful R&ma perpetrate iniquity? Do thou therefore
return with my other wives. Why do thou follow me again ?
Thou hast already shown thy friendship and respect for me.
I shall repairing thither, only fight with Sugriva. I shall
crush down his pride and not destroy him. I shall deal with
him mercifully in the battle as thou dost wish and being
struck with fists and trees he shall fly away. Forsooth, that
vicious-souled one shall not be able to withstand my pride
and proficient skill in warfare. O TSLrS, thou bast already
displayed thy attachment unto me by giving me good
counsels. By my life, do thou go back with the other
members of my household, I shall only return after bringing
about the discomfiture of my brother in the battle." There-
upon, Tara, dexterous and of sweet accents, embracing Vllif
went round him, with tears trickling from her eyes. And
having performed Sastayana or the ceremony of benedic*
tion, that one gifted with a knowledge of Mantras, and
desirous of V^§li's success, went, overwhelmed with grief, to
the inner-apartment in the company of other females. After
TarS had departed to her own quarters with her female com-

KISHKINDHAkANDAM 735

panions, he issued out of the city sighing like an enraged
serpent. And the quick-paced Vali, exceedingly wroth,
sighing, cast his looks around with a view to behold his
enemy. And that highly efiulgent one espied Sugriva,
having a golden yellow hue, tightly clothed, standing firm on
the earth and shining like unto burning gold. And behold-
ing Sugriva stationed thus, the greatly enraged Vali, of
mighty arms, put on his clothes tightly well. Highly power-
ful and closely habited, be, clinching his fists, proceeded
towards Sugriva, and waited for the action. Sugriva too,
clindiing his fist and exceedirigly wroth, proceeded towards
vali, wearing a golden garland. And beholding Sugriva,
adept in warfare, having his eyes reddened with ire, advance
quickly, Vali spake : — ''Behold, I have clinched this terrible
fist, arranging close my fingers ; and one blow from me will
take away thy life." Being accosted thus by Vali, Sugriva,
exercised with wrath, spake unto him, saying, — *'This my
fist shall strike thee on thy head taking away thy life/'
Thereupon being struck by Vali, waxing wroth and approach-
ing him quickly be began to vomit out gore like unto a
mountain having springs. And Vali too was struck down
by Sugriva, fearlessly taking up a Sdla tree, like unto a
mountain clapped by a thunderbolt. Being thus smitten by
the tree and overwhelmed with the strike of Sdla he was
troubled like unto a heavily laden boat in the midst of an
ocean. And these (two brothers) gifted with mighty strength
and prowess and motion of Suparna, and having huge persons
fought with each other like unto the Sun and Moon on the
sky. They were inimical to each other and intent on finding
their mutual dark sides. And Vali, gifted with strength and
prowess, fared better in the conflict, and that highly power-
ful son of Sun — Sugriva, was worsted. And having his
pride crushed down by Vali and strength greatly reduced,
Sugriva in anger pointed him out unto RSma. Thereupon
there took place a mighty conflict between them like unto

736 RlMlYANA.

Vitra and Vasava by means of trees with branches, hills,
nails, hard as thunderbolts, fists, knees, legs and arfns. And
these two monkeys ranging in the forest, fought with each
other, having their persons bathed in blood, and roaring
like unto clouds. And R^ghava again and again beheld the
weak points of that monkey chief Sugriva, losing his strength
by and by. And beholding that chief of monkeys greatly
distressed, the highly powerful and heroic Rftma cast his
looks upon his shaft, having the destruction of V&li in view.
And fixing on his bow an arrow resembling a serpent, he
stretched it like unto Death drawing out his cycle of time.
Being terrified by the sound of his stringing of the bow the
birdg and beasts, dismayed as on the eve of dissolution, fled
away into different quarters. And a mighty shaft, like ooto
thunderbolt and resembling flaming fire, being burled by
Rama, alighted on the breast of V&IL Being wounded by
that shaft that highly powerful chief of monkeys, gifted with
prowess fell down on the earth. Like unto Sakra's banner
in the full-moon of Aswin, V&li, with his throat choked with
vapor, losing all sense and sighing hard, fell dead down
to the ground. As the 'great God Hara emitted forth fire
with smoke from his mouth, so that best of men like unto
Death hurled an excellent, flaming and foe-destroying shafti
resembling gold and death itself. Thereupon being bathed
in blood that son of V&sava, fell senseless on the gronnd, in
the conflict like unto a blossoming Asoka growing on a hill
and Sakra's banner struck down on the earth.

SECTION XVII.

X HEREUPON V2Lli, adept in warfare, wounded by Rlma's
shaft, fell down to the ground like unto a felled tree. Oma*
mented with burning gold, he stretched the whole length

KISHKINDHlKlNDAM 737

of his person on the ground like unto the banner of the
Lord of celestials, loosened and thrown (off the chariot). That
lord of monkeys being levelled to the ground, his kingdom
appeared like unto the sky, shorn of the Moon. Though struck
down to the earth, neither vitality, effulgence nor prowess
did renounce the body of that high-souled one. That excellent
gold and jewel-crested garland conferred on him by Sakra
maintained the .vitality, effulgence and prowess of that lord
of monkeys. Being adorned with that golden garland, that
heroic lord, of monkey-herds, appeared like unto an evening
cloud. Though felled to the ground, his beauty appeared as
if divided into three, namely, his garland, his body and the
shaft piercing his heart. The arrow thrown off Rama's bow
pointing out unto him the way to the celestial region, became
an excellent means to that hero. Beholding the broad-chested
and mighty-armed Vali, Mahendra's son, wearing a golden
garland and having a flaming countenance and yellow eyes,
thus struck down to the earth, resembling a flameless fire in
the field of battle, like unto Yayati, slipped from the abode
of the celestials on the wane of his peity, like unto a
tree falling down to the earth at the time of Dissolution,
hard to repress as Mahendra himself, incapable to with-
stand like Upendra, Rama, followed by Lakshmana, approa-
ched and beheld him. And paying respects unto that hero
falling on the earth like unto a flameless fire and eying him
again and again those two highly powerful brothers, Rama
and Lakshmana neared him. And beholding that highly
powerful Raghava and Lakshmana, Vali addressed them
with the following bold and pious words. And thereupon
Vali, of mitigated prowess, waning vitality, motionless and
stretched on the ground, spoke unto Rama, proud of warfare,
saying these pregnant words. — *'VVhat merit hast thou
reaped by destroying me, who was not engaged in fight with
thee ? I was exercised with ire, being engaged in conflict
(with another person) and for thee I have met with destruc-

738 RlMl YA NA .

lion. People speak highly of thee, O Rama, on this earth,
describing thee as coming of a high family, gifted with
manliness and prowess, ever engaged in the welfare of thy
subjects, compassionate, energetic, of firm resolution and
knowing time. Punishment, control of passions, forgiveness,
piety, firmness, truth, prowess and suppression of the
wicked — these all are the royal virtues. And knowing thy
high pedigree,and all these thy accomplishments I approached
Sugriva with a hostile intention, albeit prevented by Tari.
Before I saw thee I had thought within myself :— *Forsooth
Rama shall not destroy me, engaged as I am with another
person and hence not prepared to fight with him.' I do now
know thee as one who hath spoliated his soul through
impious actions, feigning religion while in truth an
irreligious person, resorting to all vicious deeds, like unto
a well crusted with grass, unrighteous while passing under
the cloak of honesty and religion like unto a hidden fire. I
have not done thee any wrong either in thy kingdom or in
thy city. Nor have I passed by thee. Why hast thou then
destroyed me, who am a monkey ranging always in the
woods, living on fruits and roots and who have come here to
fight with anpther person ? It appears that thou art of a
kingly father and of a graceful countenance. And, O king,
there are marks of piety on thy person. Who, born in the
race of Kshatryas, versed in religious lore, having his doubts
removed and marks of peity on his person, perpetrates such
an iniquitous deed ? Thou art born in the family of Raghus and
known all over the world as being pious. Being clothed in
righteousness why dost thou commit such an unrighteous act ?
Chastisement^ charity, forgiveness, piety, truthfulness firm-
ness, prowess and the punishment of the iniquitous are the
virtues of a king, O prince. We are, O Rima, wild beasts
ranging in the forest and living on roots and fruits — our
nature is such — but thou art a man, O king. Land, gold and
silver are the causes of dissension. But who is there who is

KISHKINDRIkJlND am 739

avaricious enough to get by our forest habitations and
fruits ? The royal virtue consists in humbly and freely
administering discipline, favour and punishment. Kings

- by no means, should follow their whims. But thou art angry
and unsteady by nature, capricious, perfectly narrow-minded
in the discharge of thy royal duties and dost use thy bow and
shafts (any where and every time). Thou hast no attachment
for virtue, no comprehension of right things and art always
guided by thy passions albeit thou art a lord of men. O
KSkutstha, destroying me sinless, with thy shaft and perpe-
trating such a digraceful act, how shalt thou relate it unto the
pious. Those, who commit treason, de.<?troy Brahmins and kine,
Who are theives and always engaged in the destruction of ani-
mals, and who are athiests and marry before their elder
brothers are married, do all go to hell. The villainous, the ava-
ricious, those who kill their friends and elope with their pre-
ceptor's wives, do always visit the land of the vicious. And
there is not the least doubt about it. My skin is npt worthy of
thy touch and my bones and hairs should always be avoided
by the Virtuous. And my flesh is not worthy of being eaten
by persons of thy piety. A hedge-hog a porcupine, an iguana,
a bare and a tortoise — these five animals only,h«nving five toes,

" are worthy of being eaten by the Kshatryas and Brahmins,
O R&ghava. The wise, O R^ma, do not touch my skin and
bones and my flesh is not worthy of being taken — I am that
(monkey) having five toes who have been killed by thee.
Alas ! disregarding the well meaning and truthful words of
T&rS, I have placed myself under the control of Kdla
(Death). O Kakuthstha, the Earth hath got thee as her
husband like unto a good natured damsel being wedded to
a husband who hath forsaken his own religion. How art
thou, who art wicked, narrow-minded, a liar and ever intent
upon bringing about others* misfortune, born of the
loins of the high-souled Da9aratha ? I have been killed by
an elephant — RSmai disregarding the virtue of the pious,

740 JiAMlrANJ.

breaking the chord of character, and neglecting the g^d of
religion. Perpetrating this inauspicious, and improper act,
blamed of tlie worthy what shalt thou speak unto the pious
when thou shalt return in their company f The prowess, then
liast displayed towards me, careless, O R§ma thou dost never
employ for the suppression of the iniquitous. O son
of a king, hadst thou fought with roe openly thou wouldst
have, forsooth, seen the abode of Death being killed
by me. O R^ma^ like unto a serpent destroying persons
asleep, thou, that art under the control of vicei hast killed
me, who am hard to repress, keeping thyself out of mj sight
in the battle. I have been killed by thee, desirous of
encompassing Sugriva's well being. Hadst thou apprized
me of thy object before, I would have got thee thy Maithili
in the course of a day, and brought, by the neck, that vicioiis-
souled Rakshasa — RSLvana, the ravisher of thy spouse with-
out putting an end to his life in the battle. Whether in the
deep ocean or in the region under the earth, I shall briiif
thy Maithili like unto an Ashyatari* It is perfectly proper
that Sugriva shall inherit my kingdom on my ascensioD tio
heaven. And it is equally improper that I have been rict-
ously killed by thee in the battle. Every one in time meds
with death and hence there is nothing to be sorry f or se.
But do thou think of a proper reply thou shalt gire to Ik
people (when asked about the cause of my destructios)."
Having said this, that high-souled Son of monkey-chief,
greatly distressed being wounded by (RSma's) shaft and
having his countenance dried up, became silent, fising his
look upon Rama, resembling the sun.

* Here is an allusion. A prince of Daityas^ named Hajasrivm, Mob A*
Vedas at the end of Kalpa ; in the recovery of them he was slain faj Vm
afttr his dciccnt as Maishya. — ^T.

KlSHKINDHlKX NDA M. 741

SECTION XVIII.

.ND thus Rima was addressed by Vali, wounded and
senseless, with those modest, pious and auspicious words.
And being thus reproached he spoke unto that excellent lord
of monkeys, gifted with virtue and other accomplishments,
resembling the Sun shorn of its lustre, a cloud which has
already discharged its waters and fire extinguished. — *'Not
cognizant of virtue, knowledge, passion and custom, why
dost thou blame me like a child ? Why dost thou purpose
to address me thus out of fickleness, consequent upon thy
roonkeyhood not asking thy wise elders recognized by the
preceptors ? This land, abounding in hills and woods, belongs
to the Ikswakus. Along with it was conferred on them the
power of administering favour and chastisement unto
beasts, birds and human beings. The upright, virtuous and
truthful king Bharata, cognizant of virtue, knowledge and
passion and ever engaged in adminstering favour and punish-
ment, governs this kingdom. That king is said to be
cognizant of time and place ; in him dwelleth modesty,
truthfulness, prowess and a love for discipline. Ourselves and
other kings, being commanded by him to practise piety, have
been journeying in this wide world desirous of multiplying
virtue. That foremost of monarchs, Bharata — lover of virtue,
governing this entire earth,who dares perpetrate an iniquity ?
Stationed in the excellent virtue of our own and placing
Bharata's commandments on our heads, we shall consider
how we shall punish them who go astray (from the path of
virtue). Thou hast oppressed virtue and perpetrated a
gross iniquity. Thou hast placed thyself under the control
of thy passions and deviated from the track of royal duties.
The elder brother, father, and the instructor — these three
should always be regarded in the light of a father if they tread

742 RXMXFANA.

the paths of virtue and morality. A younger brother, a son
and an accomplished follower should always be regarded as
sons. And virtue is always at the bottom of all such considera-
tions. O monkey, the religion of the good is indeed very
subtle and can comprehend great things — the immortal soul
can understand what is good or bad. Fickle as thou art, hoir
canst thou comprehend what is proper, consulting with thy
monkey companions who are equally stupid and light-hearted,
like unto one, born blind^ leading with another such f I
do fairly speak unto thee that it is not anger -only that has
led me to bring about thy destruction. Do thou consider
why I have killed thee— thou hast ravished thy brother's wife
renouncing that ever-existing virtue. Thou, the perpetrator
of many evil deeds, hast got by Ruml^ the wife of thy brother
— the high-souled Sugriva. O monkey, thou hast thus
violated the path of virtue. And thus I have punished thee
who hast ravished thy elder brother's spouse. O thou, the
leader of monkey-herds — I find no other alternative than to
punish him who acts against humanity and violates the sacred
sanctions of custom. I am a Kshatrya coming of a high
pedigree. I cannot put up with thy immoral conduct. Ssstr^
sanction the destruction of one who under the influence of
passion ravishes his own daughter, sister and younger
brother's wife. This is Bharata's commandment^the loid
of earth, and we have been satisfying his orders. Thou hast
disregarded virtue. A wise man, living in virtue, cannot
let go one who hath passed by the sanctions of morality.
Bharata hath sanctioned the destruction of the amonwt;
and we, O lord of monkeys, following his orders, tbooglit
proper, to encompass the destruction of one like thee who
hath spoliated virtue and morality. Like unto LakshnaMi
I have contracted friendship with Sugriva. And with a viev
to regain his wife and kingdom, he resolved to engage ia af
well-being. I too also promised the sime before the monkcja
Anil how can a man of my position neglect to make gool

KISHKINDHX KANDaM. 743

his promise ? For these causes of very great moment,
favoured by virtue, I have administered unto thee this
condign punishment. Do thou now approve it. Thy discom-
fiture is quite of a piece with the sanctions of morality —
and to assist friends is one of the codes of religion. Hear,
Manu hath composed a couple of couplets tending to the
purification of character and highly. prized by the virtuous as
well as myself. Those who, perpetrating iniquity, bear with
fortitude the punishment, inflicted by their soverign get at
the abode of the celestials being purified like unto the pious.
People are freed from their sins, when they confessing their
crimes, are either punished or forgiven. But the monarch
who doth not punish the perpetrator of an evil deed, is
visited by a mighty sin. Formerly an iniquity, like one
perpetrated by thee, was committed by a devotee who
was punished severely by my forefather Mdndhdta, And
other lords of earth punish in the same way the authors of
misdeeds. What more, the perpetrators of crime, themselves
undergo penances and are thus released from their sins.
Therefore do not repent any more, O best of monkeys. The
punishment^ 1 have inflicted on thee, is in consonance with
the sanctions of morality. We are not our own masters.
Hearken, O best of monkeys, there is another argument (for
thy destruction) ; and hearing which, O great hero, it be-
boveth thee to renounce thy ire. Many persons living on flesh,
either lying in ambush, or openly catch and pierce by means
of net, noose and trap, many a deer, terrified and trusted,
taking to their heels or quarrelling with their companions,
careful or careless. They are not to blame in this and I do
not cherish, O best of monkeys, any mortification or ire for
this. And even many royal ascetics, versed in religious
lore, go a-bunting \ and hence thou hast been killed by me
with a shaft, O monkey, in the conflict. And I am justified
in killing thee, whether thou dost fight or not since thou art
a monkey. There is no doubt, O best of monkeys, that the

744 RImXFANA.

monarcbs confer life and piety auspicious and hard to
attain. It doth not therefore behove any one to injure them,
to blame them and to use improper words by them — since
they are the celestials ranging on this earth under the
semblance of man. Not knowing virtue and growing .angry
why dost thou blame me who am following the religion of
my forefathers ?" Being thus accosted by R2Lnia, Vftli, greatly
mortified and informed of the prmciple of religion, obsenred
no delinquency in RSghava. Thereupon that lord of
monkeys spake unto R§ma, with folded hands, saying :—
''There is not the least doubt, O best of men, in all that thou
hast said. An inferior person can by no means address his
superior improperly. It doth not behove thee, O Rftghava,
therefore to blame me for those unpleasant words which I used
towards thee, out of foolishness. Thou hast acquired a
practical mastery over the principles of religion and ait
ever engaged in the welfare of thy subjects. Thy eternal
power of ascertaining the crime and meeting its condign
punishment is perfectly clear. Do thou know me as the
foremost of sinners and one who hath deviated from the track
of morality. Do thou conduct me, with pious words, tot
better land.'' Vali, having his throat choked with Tapoor,
addressed again and again, RcLma, with piteous accents,
sayinor : — *'I do not mourn so much for me, T&rft, or other
friends as for my son Angada, eldest and wearing a goUen
Afjgada.^ Brought up by me from his very infancy, be shaB
by my separation, wear away like unto a ppnd haTing its
liquid contents drunk up, by an elephant. He is my only
son, dear and born of Tari. A mere child and of onripe
understanding as he is, that one of mighty strength shonU
always be protected by thee, O R§ma. Do thoa regail
favourably Sugriva and Angada. Thou art their protector^ and
chastiser punishing them for their sinf. O king, O lord of
men, it bchoveth thee to regard Sugriva and Angada in the

* A bracelet woro oo the upper arro.*»T«

KISHKINDHAkANDAM, 7^5

same light in which thou regardest Bharata and Lakshmana.
It behoveth thee to so arrange as Sugriva may not disregard
that chaste TarSl who is blameable for my folly only. He,
who is favoured by thee, abideth by thy commandmeots and
acteth after thy heart, can acquire kingdom, attain to heaven,
and govern the earth. Desiring to have my destruction
brought about by thee, 1 entered into conflict with my brother
Sugriva, albeit prevented by Tara." Having addressed
RSma thus, the lord of monkeys stopped. Thereupon Rama
consoled VSlli, of clear understanding with the following moral
words, acceptable unto the Saints. "O best of monkeys, do
thou not consider ourselves as well as thyself blame-
able. We are more conversant, than thou, with the prin-
ciples of religion. They never lose their virtue being pro-
ficient in the mode of ascerting crime and punishing it — one
administering punishment unto the criminal and the cri-
minal receiving it. And therefore receiving punishment
{from me) thou hast been released from thy sins and acquir-
ed a knowledge of religion. Do thou therefore renounce
thy grief, thy illusion and the fear that is lurking in
thy heart. It is impossible for thee, O foremost of
monkeys, to withstand the course of dispensation. There is
not the least doubt, O lord of monkeys, that Angada shall
be brought up by me and Sugriva in the same way as he was
by thee." Hearing these sweet, collected and pious words
of the high-soiiled R§ma, — the represser of the enemies in a
battle, — the monkey again addressed him with the following
pregnant words — "O lord, O thou having Mahendra's prowess,
I do propitiate thee for my having insulted thee with
improper words, senseless as I was being wounded by shafts.
Do thou forgive me, O lord of monkeys."

746 RlMlrANd.

SECTION XIX

xSeing thus accosted with reasonahle words, that lord, ai
monkeys, lying on the ground and wounded with shafts, gave
no reply. Having his limbs dissevered hj stoacs, bdng
struck with trees and wounded by R&ma's shaft, lie becasae
sensetess at the approach of death. His spouse T&ri heard
that Vali, the foremost of monkeys, bad been killed in the
conflict by R&ma's shaft. Hearing the heart-rending news
of her husband's demise, she, big with a child, issued
out of the mountain cave with a troubled heart. Aod
beholding Rima with a bow in his hand, the mighty
monkeys, followers of Angada, fled away, terrified. Thereupon
T&r& observed those monkeys flying away terrified like unio
deer alienated from their herd, having lost their king. And
the chaste lady, racked with sorrow, spoke «nto tboie
monkeys, afraid of RiLma, wounded with shafts and ezeicis-
ed with grief, saying: — ''O monkeys, why are yc flying away,
terrified and distressed, leaving behind that foretnost of
kings before whom ye were used to fight? Hath VUi bees
killed by Rilma, waiting at a distance with fleet and distant
coursing shafts, being requested by SugriTa for Inngdofli ^
Hearing the words of that wife of the monke7, tbejr, weuiif
shapes at will, addressed that damsel with words, noitlf
of being said on that occasion,-— "O thou, baring Hhj wm
alive, do thou go back and bring up thy son Angada. Datt
himself, under RSma's semblance, hath snatched awaj VHL
He was killed by (Rftma's) shafts, resembling thnndtibsJi:
as if clapped by thunder itself, having bored trees and l^j
stones (hurled by VSli). That king of monkeys,
Sakra's prowess, being made away with,this host of in<
have been taking to their heels being overwhelmed
consternation. Let the heroes defend the city and
Angada on the throne. And on his being installed

KISHKINDHIkANDaM, 747

monkeys shall serve Vftli's son. O thou having a fine coun-
tenance, the monkeys shall enter this stronghold, although
it is a favourite place with thee. Herein dwell many forest-
rangers, wifeless and having wives. And we are really
afraid of them, avaricious, and formerly deprived of their
wealth by us." Hearing those words of the monkeys^ ^y*"g
at a little distance,, that lady,, smiling sweet, spoke unto them,
words worthy of herself — "That great lord of monkeys, my
kusban^y being dead, what skaU I do with my son, my king-
doca aiul myseU ? I shall place myseH at the feet of that
bigh-souled one,, who hath been killed by Rama's shaft.''
Having said this, (TSrSl) proceeded, overwhelmed with grief,,
weepiag and striking her bead witb her hands. While
proceedings she espied her husband lying on the ground like
unto the destroyer of the lords of monkeys who have never
been discomfitted in a battle field, hurling mountains like
unrtoVlsava hurling thunderbolts^ emitting a roar like unto
a big dottd assisted by a mighty wind ; resembling Sakra
ia prowess and like unto a cloud accompanied by rain ; tlve
represser of repressers ; a mighty hero discomfitted by an
' equally powerful one ; tike unto a lion killed by a tiger for
fleshy worshipped of all men; like unto a chaitya* adorned
with pennons and altars, scattered and broken by Garuda
with a view to kill serpents^ And she espied RSima reclining
his persem on a mighty bow, his younger brotlier and her
Uttshand's younger brother. Passing them by am] getting
at ker husband and beholding him killed in battle, she, losing
ker sense,, fell down to tlie ground. And thereupon rising
again like one asleep, Mie, beholding her husband engarlanded
by death,, cried alomd, exclaiming "O son of worshipful
sire/' And beholding TSLra Uke unto a she-elephant and
Angada^ bewailing ia this v^nse, Segriifa attained to an excess
•f grief.

- — -- ----- ■■-■ .. .. . — .■^—t.^ J ■

i •A pile of stones.— T.

748 RAAJAI'AXA.

SECTION XX.

• •n^^-

Jdeholding licr husband lying dead on the ground with
the life-destroying shafts of RSma, TfirS, having a diood-
like countenance, approaching, embraced him. And seeing
him slain with shafts like unto an elephant, resembling a lord
of mountains and an uprooted tree, TSra, racked with grief
began to bewail — ''O hero, O foremost of monkeys, O powerful
one, O thou terrible in warfare, why dost thou not welcome
me to-day who am guilty of some iniquity by thee ? Rise,
O best of monkeys, and lie down on a better bed ; monarchs
do not stretch themselves on earth. O lord of earth, indeed
earth is thy favourite wife ; since renouncing me, thoa,
though dead, art serving her with thy body. Evident it is,
O hero, that while engaged in a lawful conflict, then hadst
created another city of Kishkindh2L,tn the region of the celes-
tials. All thy enjoyments with me in nectar-smelling woods,
have been brought to a close. Thou, the lord of monkey*
herds, being slain, I am deprived of joy and hope and
am sunk in the abyss of grief. Forsooth, my heart is uncom*
nion hard, since beholding thee on the ground it hath not
been sundered into thousand pieces being over^i helmed with
grief. Sugriva's wife was carried away and banished by thee
and this is the result of thy action, O foremost of monkeys.
O lord of monkeys, out of thy ignorance thou didst neglect
all my well meaning words which I said, being intent on thy
welfare and benefit. O worshipful one, thou shalt captivate
today, the hearts of the dexterous Apsar&s, proud of their
youth and beauty. Forsooth, thou hast been by force broi^ht
under the control of Ka/a, since thou hast been discomfitled
by Sugriva, albeit thou art above the control of olbeis.
Destroying Vali unseasonably, while engaged in conflict with
another person, and perpetrating such an iniquitocs deed*

KISHKINDHlKllSiDAM, 749

KSkuthstha doth never relent. Unused to miseries before
how shall I, being an object commiseration, put up like one
helpless, with my widow-hood and grief. How shall the
heroic and youthful Angada, brought up in luxury and happi-
ness, be regarded by his uncle, senseless with wrath ? Do
thou cast for good, O my son, thy looks towards thy pious
sire, for since now it will be hard for thee to see him again.
Do thou console thy son, favour me with orders, smell his
head, as thou art going to journey in a foreign land. By des-
troying tbee,RSma,hath performed a great action, since by this
he hath been released from his vow unto Sugriva. O Sugriva,
do thou gain thy ends and get back thy Ruma \ devoid of
anxiety do thou govern thy kingdom — thy enemy, thy brother
hath been slain. O lord of monkeys, why dost thou not
welcome me, thy beloved spouse, who am bewailing thus ?
Behold, thy other wives are also mourning in the same wise.^'
Hearing the bewailings of that she-monkey, others, taking
Angada, distressed and overwhelmed with grief, began to
cry piteously. — *'0 hero, having Angada on thy arms, why
art thou proceeding on a journey for good in a foreign land
leaving behind (thy son) Angada. It doth not behove thee (to
leave aside) thy dear son, gifted with diverse accomplish-
ments and wearing a charming and beautiful cloth. O thou
of long arms, O lord of monkeys, if I have offended thee iu
any way, do thou forgive me, after ascertaining my crime. O
hero, I touch thy feet with my head.*' Bewailing thus pite-
ously with other she-monkeys, TSra, having a blameless
countenance, stationing herself where V^li was, resolved to
put an end to her being by fastings.

750 RAMXYaNA.

SECTION XXI .

X HEREUPON beholding TSirS fallen (on the ground) like
unto a star dropt down from the sky, Hanum&n, the lord oi
monkey -herds, consoled her again and again. — ''Anioials, im-
agitated, attain to happiness or misery, as an outcome of their
actions performed (in their previous existence) by merits or
demerits. Why dost thou mour-n for others, thyself being an
object of moruning * Why dost thou feel coram issecation for
the poor, thyself being poorly? In this body like unto a bnbUe
Viho is there who mourneth for another f It behoveth thee
now, O thou having thy son alivCi to look after prince
Angada and think of those duties which remain to be
executed by thee (after the demise of V&li). Do Ihou know
that life and death of the animals is very unsettled. It is
therefore proper to perform what tends to the welfare of after*
life. It doth not behove thee, O learned damsel,, to mom
like others. He even, who (while living) was surrounded by
thousands of monkeys cherisbiug hopes, hatb met his
destined end. This hero discharged his royal duties is
consonance with the sanctions of morality and was gifled
with various kingly accomplishments such as cottcHiifcioi^
charity and forgiveness. He hath attained to the land of
kings and it becometh thee not to mourn for him. O blam^
less damsel, all these foremost of monkeys, this thjson
Angada. this kingdom of the monkey chief, do belong to
thee. Do thou soon despatch, O passionate lady, these Cwt
(Angada and Sugriva) exercised with grief as they are (for
the performance of VSili's funeral rites). And abiding bj Ihf
commandments let Angada govern the earth. Let Angndi
perform all those ceremonies, which should be gone thiOMh
by sons according to the Sastras and which are for titf
well-being of the king ; this is the time for the peril

KISHKINDHAkInDA M. 751

of^ibos^ funeral rites. Performing the funeral ceremonies
of the lord of monkeys do thou install Angada. And behold-
faig thy son thus establisJied on the throne thou shalt be
able to pacify thy grief ?" Hearing those words of HanumSln,
Ifki^y rack^ with grief consequent upon the loss of her
lord, bespake him who was standing there : — "I would rather
die wiih this hero who hath been slain than have hundred
sons like Angada. I cannot myself govern this kingdom nor
can I confer it upon Angada. Such duty devolves upon his
(Angada'j) trade Sugriva now. O HanumSn, do thou not
consider that I shall confer this kingdom upon Angada — O
best of monkeys, father is son's friend (in this respect) not
mother. There is no other resource for me tending to my
welfare both in this world and the next -than taking refuge
onto this lord of monkeys. It is becoming for me to serve
this bed wtich hath been resorted to by the hero, slain (and
lying before me.)

SECTION XXII.

Vali, ranging on the verge of death, casting his looks
aronnds and sighing faintly, espied his younger brother
Sugriva before him. Welcoming that lord of monkeys with
clear accents, Vali addressed him affectionately saying :— "O
Sugriva, do thou not take to thy heart the improper conduct
I have shown towards thee, being attracted by inevitable
foolishness, subject as I was to sin. Methinks, O brother, it
is not our fortune to enjoy at the same time the double bliss
of fraternal affection and the enjoyment of kingdom, or else
why has it happened otherwise ? Do thou acquire to-day
this kingdom of the forest-ranges and know me as one who
hath departed to the abode of Death. Soon shall I renounce

752

RlAsArANA.

my life, kingdom, my exquisite grace and my blameless
tame. It behoveth thee, O hero, O king, to perform what
I shall speak unto thee in this plight, however difficult it
might be. Do thou behold Angada fallen on the ground with
tears in his eyes — a little boy, incapable, brought up in
luxury and deserving happiness. Do thou maintain this my
son, dearer than my life, like unto thy own son, bom of thj
loins, satisfying all his wants in my absence. O best of
monkeys, like unto roe, thou art his father, protector, con-
ferrer of gifts and remover of fear. This graceful son of
Tara equals thee in prowess and shall precede thee in the
destruction of Rakshasas. This youthful Angada, TSit*s
son, gifted with energy and strength, shall perform befittiog
exploits displaying his prowess in the battle. Surasen's
daughter is wonderfully expert in ascertaining subtle things
and giving counsels in the time of danger. Do thon, withovt
the least doubt perform what shall the chaste lady instmct
thee to do ; for TarSl's advice never goes without effect It
behoveth thee to perform Rllghava's service fearlessly or else
thou shalt be visited with sin : on his being instilted tboa
shalt be injured. O Sugriva, do thou put on this celestial
golden garland — herein dwelleth the bounteous Sree who
shall renounce me after my death.*' Having been accosted
thus by Vali, out of fraternal affection, Sugriva renoaociif
joy again became pale like unto the Moon possessed by Rlha
Renouncing his inimical feelings, being thus addressed fay
Vali and carrying out his words energetically Sugriit
accepted the golden garland as ordered (by him). And coa*
ferring (upon Sugriva) that golden garland and beholdii|
his son before him, V2lli, resolved upon death, spake vifti
Angada, saying : —"Do thou place thyself now under lit
control of Sugriva, ascertaining time and place, putting if
with misery for thy welfare and injury. O thou having klg
arms, Sugriva shall not regard thee much, if dost thou remaii
in the same wise in which thou hadst been brooght op If

KISHKlNDHlRlNDA M, 753

me before.* O slayer of foes, do thou never mix with
Sugriva's enemieSi and place thyself always under Sugriva's
control, having subdued thy senses and being intent upon thy
roaster's (Sugriva's) welfare. Do thou not cultivate too much
of friendship nor be wanting in it — for both of these extremes
are sources of disasters. Do thou therefore follow the golden
mean." After he had said this, his eyes became expanded, his
teeth were opened and his appearance became ghastly. And
greatly pained by shafts he breathed his last. And there-
upon, the monkeys, the foremost of those who go jumping,
having lost their chief, bewailed and cried. On that monkey
chiefs departure to the land of celestials, Kishkindha was
divested of her lord, and gardens, hills and woods were all
rendered lonely. That best of monkeys, who fought a dread-
ful battle with the high-souled Gandharbas^ being dead,
all other monkeys became of pale countenance. ''Vali entered
into a terrible conflict with the mighty-armed Golava and
fought for ten years and five, for nights and days without
respite. And ou the sixteenth year, Golava was killed.
Bringing about the destruction of that wicked Gandharba^
Vali, having terrible teeth, saved us all from fear. How hath
he been killed to-day ?" Like unto kine, incapable of enjoying
peace in a mighty forest filled with lions,their chief being dead,
these forest-rangers could not attain to felicity on the demise
of that lord of monkeys. Thereupon, Tara, sunk in the
gulf of disaster, eying the countenance of her deceased lord,
fell down to the ground embracing Vali like unto a creeper
clinging for its support to a mighty but broken tree.

* The significance of the passage is as follows : — ^Thou wert a mere child
while I brought thee up. But now thou art a grown up young man and this is
the time for thcie to serve thy elders. Do thou therefore serve Sugriva.— T.

754 RAmIFANA.

SECTION XXIII

X HEREUPON smellinjx the face of that lord of monkeys,
Tar§ again addressed her deceased lord, known all over the
world, saying: — *'0 hero, disregarding my words, thou art
lying on the uneven earth, hard and filled with gravels. 0
lord of monkeys, the earth is dearer unto thee than I, since
thou art lying there embracing her and art not welcoming me.
O hero, O dear, O brave lord, wonder it is that God under
the semblance of RSima, hath placed himself under the
control of Sugriva ; hithertofore he shall be regarded as a
hero. Why art thou not awake, hearing the bewailings of
bears and monkeys who used to wait upon thee, powerful,
as well as that of Angada and myself? Alas ! thou art lying
on this bed of the heroes, being slain in the battlei where
formerly, thy enemies destroyed by thee, used to lie down. 0
thou born of a pure family, O thou that art fond of warfare,
O my dear, O conferror of honors, whither hast thou departed
making me husbandless ? Let not the wise, henceforth,
confer their daughters upon the heroes. Alas ! behold me,
the wife of a hero, made a widow in no time. Shattered
is my honor and destroyed is my happiness and I am sunk
in the deep abyss of grief. Forsooth, this my firm heart is
not sundered into hundred pieces, beholding my hosbaad
slain! Thou art my friend, my dear husband and a greit
hero— and thou hast met with destruction, being stmck by
another man. A husbandless woman is always styled hjfUbt
wise as widow, although she might have a son and enoogh
of riches. O hero, thou art lying down in a pool of blood
issuing out of thy own person, like unto thy own bed haviig
a red -dyed bed-sheet. Thy body is on all sides bemeared
with blood and dust and I am incapable of embracing thefi
with my arms, O best of monkeys. Surely hath Sngfiv>

KISHKINDHA Kl NDA M, 755

satisfied his hostile intention to-day, whose fear hath been
removed by one shaft, discharged by Rama. Thyself depart-
ing to the land of the dead, I have been eying thee simply,
being prevented from touching thy person by the shaft
piercing thy heart".* Thereupon Neela took out that shaft
from the person of (Vali) like unto a flaming serpent lurking
in a mountain cave. There beamed the shaft extracted
from his body like unto the rays of the Sun, stationed on the
summit of the setting hill. And there poured forth from all
his wounds, streams of blood, like unto showers of melted
copper and other metals falling from a mountain. And
( TSra ) washed, with tears, her heroic husband's body
covered with dust and wounded with weapons. Beholding
her husband thus slain and besmeared with blood, she spake
unto her son, Angada, having coppery eyes,saying : — "Behold
this terrible declining stage of thy Sire. Here is the end of his
hostilities collected by his impious actions. O my son, do
thou bow unto thy kingly father, the conferrer of honors, who
bath departed to the abode of Death, having a flaming person
like unto the rising Sun.'^ Thus accosted, Angada rose up
and, saying, "I (do touch my Sirens feet)," embraced his father^s
feet with his plump arms. (Thereupon Tara said) — "Saying
*Do thou live long' why dost thou not welcome Angada,
to-day as before, who hath bowed unto thee ? I am with
my son, standing by thee who art dead, like unto a cow
with her calf, having the bull slain by a lion. How hast thou,
without me, thy wife, bathed in the water of Rama's shafts, at
the end of thy battle-like sacrifice ? Why do I not behold here
that favourite golden garland of thine, which was conferred
on thee by the lord of celestials, pleased in a battle ? Royal
grace hath not renounced thee, O conferrer of honors, albeit
thou art dead, like unto the rays not quitting the king of
mountains, even after the Sun is set. Thou didst not act by

• The meaning is : — Lest by my touching that shaft thou feelcst a greater
pain. — T.

756 RAMlYANA.

my wholesome words, nor could I prevent thee. And I am
now destroyed with my son, along with thee id the battle.
Truly hath Sree (goddess of wealth) renounced me."

SECTION XXIV.

xSeholding TSLrlL emerged in a deep and mighty ocean
of grief, V&li's younger brother was overwhelmed with
penitence, in consequence of the unbecoming destruction of hb
brother. And seeing her countenance full of tears, the
high-souled (Sugriva), racked with grief and repentance, ap-
proached slowly RSma along with his followers. And neariog
him, with a bow in his hand,h<nving arrows like unto serpents,
famed and having auspicious marks on his person, he qMke
unto RSlghava, seated there, saying^^'O lord of men, thoo
hast fulfilled thy promise by carrying it out into practice ;
and as for wretched me, O son of a king, I shall refrain today
from all enjoyments. This queen lamenting piteousljr, these
subjects and retinue bewailing, being overwhelmed with grief,
this king being slain, how can kingdom please me t O Rlaa
out of anger, and passion, and on account of my being insal-
ted by him, I did formerly desire to bring about my brothel's
destruction. But that lord of monkey-herds being slain, 0
best of Ikshw^akus, I am truly pierced to the quidc with
anguish. I do prefer living for good in the mount Rishji*
muka, earning my livelihood somehow or other, to the
accession of heaven by destroying (Vftli). This h^Uf
intelle(.tual and high-souled one spake untome"Dottoa
range at large, I do not wish to destroy thee." S«ch
words were really becoming of him, O Rftma. And these
words and this action become me (vile as I am). Hov
can a brother, O R§ma, however avaricious he ai^
be, relish the destruction of his qualified brother.

KISHKINDHlKlNDA M, 757

paring the happiness of a kingdom, with the grief (con-
sequent upon his brother's demise) ? He did not desire
to slay me, lest his greatness might be spoiled ; but alas !
through my wicked sense, I performed an iniquity by
taking the life of my brother. Being struck by him with
branches of trees, while I fled away and wept, he, consoling
me, said only "Do not do this again." He all along main-
tained his fraternal feelings, his honesty and piety ; but (woe
to me) I have displayed my wrath, passion and monkey-hood.
O friend, like unto the lord of celestials perpetrating sin
by destroying Biswarupa, I have been, by bringing about
the destruction of my brother, visited with this sin, beyond
comprehension, avoidable, undesirable and invisible. Indra*s
sin was shared by earth; water, trees and women ; but who
is there who will bear and desire to participate this monkey's
sin ? Perpetrating such an improper and irreligious act, tend-
ing to the decay of my family, I do not deserve the respect of
my subjects and the heir-apparentship ; what of kingdom, O
R^ghava. I am the perpetrator of a vile and disgrace-
ful sin, blamed of all in this world. And like unto a
current of rain going downwards, this mighty grief hath
overcome me. This mighty and infuriated elephant of a sin,
having the destruction of a brother as its body, repentence,
as its trunk, head, eyes and tusks, hath been crushing me
like unto the banks of a river. Alas ! O best of kings, this
unbearable sin hath been driving away all pious feelings from
my heart like unto alloy leaking out of discolored gold when
molten in fire, O Raghava. Methinks, for me, O RSLghava,
these mighty monkeys and Angada are almost half-dead
(with grief). A good-natured and obedient son is rare. Where
is to be found Angada's equal ? O hero, there is no such
land where I may meet again my brother. The heroic Angada
shall not live to-day — and if he lives, his mother shall live to
bring him up. Forsooth, without her son, she shall not
live long. Therefore shall I enter this flaming fire with a

758 RlMli'ANA,

vievv to place myself on the same level with my brother
and his son and all these mighty monkeys shall engage
in quest of Sita, abiding by thy commandments. O son of
a king, they shall all carry out thy orders even in my abseocet
do thou,therefore,order me (to enter fire) who am the destroyer
of my own race^ have performed an inquity and do not
deserve living any more." Hearing the words of Vlli's youn-
ger brolher, who was bewailing thus, RSma, the heroic
descendant of RSghu and the slayer of foes, remained stapified
for some time with tears in his eyes. In the mean-ttmei Rftmiit
patient like unto the protector of the world, worked with
curiosity, looked again and again towards the bewailing TirS
sunk in the eulf of disaster. Thereupon the principal coan*
sailors raised up the brave spouse of the lord of monkeys,
having graceful eyes and lying on the earth, embracing her
husband. And snatched away from her husband and trembl-
ing, she beheld RSima, with bow and arrows in his hand,
burning like unto the Sun by virtue of his own effulgence. And
beholding him gifted with all royal marks, having beaotiful
eyes and never seen before, that one, having the eyes of
a fawn, thought within herself. 'This great one mmt
be KSlkuthstha." And the worshipful TSr9, worked with
grief, and overwhelmed with disasters, bewailing, neared
quickly that high-souled one, resembling the lord of celestials
and hard to approach. And having reached the pure-soukd
Rama, who had his ends fully attained in battle, the high-
minded Tara, having her frame worked with griefp spake
unto him, saying : — ''Thou art immeasurable, hard to
approach, highly pious, prudent, of controlled senses aad
increasing fame, forgiving like unto earth and of blood*red
eyes. Thou hast bow and arrows in hand, art highly powerM
and of a tough body. And renouncing human grace thot
hast assumed the grace of a celestial person. Do tbon siaf
me with that self-same shaft with which my dear one wtf
slain. And thus slain, O hero, I shall near him, for Vili doth

KISHKINDHIKXNDAM. 759

not relish the company of any other woman but me. O
thou having eyes resembling clean lotus-petals, tjiis
( hero ) departing to the abode of celestjals and not
beholding me there, shall not delight in the company of
ApsaraSy wearing diversified garments and copper-colored
corronets. Even in the land of celestials, O hero, Vali
shall turn pale with grief in my separation, like unto
thee in the picuresque dale of the Lord of mountains, separa-
ted from the daughter of the king of Videha. Thou knovvest
well that a handsome man is greatly afflicted with the
seperation of his spouse ; and knowing this, do thou slay me,
and Vali shall not be tormented with grief consequent upon
ray absence. High-souled as thou art, thou art thinking that
thou shalt, slaying me, be visited with a sin arising from the
destruction of a female. But do thou kill me, O son of a
king, knowing me as the soul of V§li, and thou shalt not he
responsible for destroying a woman. According to the Vedas
and various other sacred texts, wives are inseparably blended
with their husbands. And the wise say that there is no
other gift better than that of a wife in this world. Thou
shalt, O hero, confer me religiously upon my dear one
and by this gift thou shalt be saved from the sin consequent
upon killing me. It doth not behove thee not to kill me,
who am exercised with grief, without my lord, snatched away
from him and reduced to such a (pitiable) plight. O lord
of men, 1 cannot live long without that highly intelligent
lord of monkeys, having an elephantine gait and wearing an
excellent golden garland." Thus accosted, the high-souled
lord consoling Tira, spake unto her the following well-
meaning words. — *'Do thou not lose thyself, O wife of a hero.
This whole world of creation is being guided by God's
dispensation. And by Him is administered misery or happi-
ness as people say. These three worlds cannot neglect His
dispensations and are entirely subject to Him. Thy son
shall attain to the heir apparentship of the throne and thou

76o RlMlFANA.

shall enjoy excellent joy therefrom. This hath been decreed
by the Almighty. Wives of heroes do never relent/' Being
thus consoled by the high-souled (RSLmaJ gifted with*prowesik
and the slayer of foes, TSr9L^ the wife of a heroic husband,
and wearing a graceful garment, ceased bewailing.

SECTION XXV.

X HEREUPON, KSLkutstha, with I^akshmana, equally ag-
grieved, said, consoling Sugriva, and Tlrft together with
Angada. — ''Grief and lamentations do not tend to the
welfare of the deceased. It therefore behoveth ye to
perform the after ceremonies. Ye have satisfied the worldly
practice with a profuse discharge of tears. It is not proper
to delay the performance of appointed actions. Time is the
prime cause in this world, and the source of the acoompUA-
ment of actions. And Time it is that leads men to actioaSi
No one is the lord of another persooj and no one leads hia
to actions. People are subject to their actions of previom
existence and Time aids them. Even the Eternal being caa*
not withstand the ways of Time. He never decayeth and
no one else can withstand the course of Time. It hitt
no friend, no cause and no one can overcome it. It taA
no kinsman, no relation ; even it is not subject to itsdt
The wise can percieve the work of Time. Piety, wcaU
and desire are all subject to it. Vftli, the lord of monkflfii
hath attained to his own true state, reaping the fruits of Ui
actions^ acquired by virtue of his royal accomplishmcili
— namely, forgiveness and charity. The abode of the oeks*
tials, which was conquered by this high«souled one fay Hi
former piety, hath now been occupied by him after re
his body. This is the best course of Time that hath
attained to by the lord of monkey-herds. No moreirii

KISHKINDHAkINDAM. 761

lamentations therefore ; do thou perform the actions that
ve worthy of being performed on this occasion/' After
Rftma had spoken thus, Lakshmana, the slayer of foes^
Uddressed Sugriva, senseless with grief, with the following
sound words : — "SugrivS, do thou perform the funeral
ceremonies of V^lli . along with TSrSL and Angada. Do
thou collect for cremation many a dry fuel and celestial
•andal. Do thou console the unfortunate Angada, who is
beside himself with grief. Do not conduct thyself like an
ignorant person, for this city is now under thee. Let Angada
bring clothes, garlands, scents, clarified butter, oil an4
other necessary articles. O TSLrS, do thou go and bring soon
ft conveyance -, for speediness is a special virtue on an occa-
sion like this. Let the monkeys dress themselves who can
tonvey this hearse. The powerful and the capable only shall .
carry V§li". Having thus addressed Sugriva, Lakshmana, the
enhancer of SumitrSl's joy and the destroyer of foes, stood
before his elder brother. And hearing the words of Laksh-
jnana, the counsellor respectfully entered the cave with a
view to bring the conveyance. And taking that conveyance
carried by the monkeys and worthy of being carried by the
heroes, he issued out again of the cave. It had a celestial
throne and was like unto a war-chariot and had trees and
birds painted on it. It was painted on all sides with the
figures of foot soldiers, had latticed windows and was like
unto the car of the Siddhas — spacious and artistically and
stoutly built by artizans with beautiful carvings like unto a
wooden hill. It was ornamented with excellent ornaments
and beautiful garlands, sprinkled with red sandal and skirted
with strong ribs. It was covered with flowers and lotus-
- garlands, crusted with precious clothes and had the colour
"of the rising Sun. Beholding such a conveyance, Rama
•pake unto Lakshmana, saying-— ''Do thou soon conduct the
funeral service of Vali." Thereupon Sugriva, along with
Angada, placing V&li on the conveyance, began to bewail.

762 RAAJlYANA..

And placing the lifeless body of Vftii on it, he covered it with
various ornaments, garlands, and clothes. Thereat Sugrira,
the king of monkeys, ordered for the performance of VUi's
funeral rites. ''Let the monkeys go before, scattering many
a precious jewel and let the conveyance follow them. Let
the monkeys perform the obsequies o( our master with such
grandeur as befits the riches of the kings on this eartL''
With a view to perform the funeral ceremonies of V&Ii, the
counsellors and other monkeys, having lost their king and
embraced Angada, proceeded weeping. And other subject
monkeys followed them. And all other she-monkeyS| headed
by TSlra, having lost their lord, bewailed, exclaiming again )
and again — *'0 hero, O hero".— And they, thus bewailing
piteously, followed their lord. And in response to the be*
waitings of she-monkeys, hills and forests,as if, bewailed onal^
sides. Monkeys, ranging in the forest, made funeral piles o^
the banks of the hill-streams and in solitary watery nook^ *
Thereupon laying down from their shoulders the conveyance* *
those foremost of monkeys stationed themselves in a corned*
being stricken with grief. And TSrS, beholding her husband'^
body on the conveyance, placed his head on her lap anc^
bewailed, overwhelmed with griet. "O lord of monkeys j O
my lord ! O my dear one ! O thou used to luxuries ! O thou
having long arms I O my darling ! behold roe. Why dost
thou not behold these monkeys, racked with sorrow ? O
conferrer of honors, thy countenance looks as if beaming with
joy ; although thou art dead, and thou appearest as if alive,
having the hue of the setting Sun. O monkey. Death himself,
under the semblance of RSma, is attracting thee, who with
one shaft in the battle, hath rendered us all widows. O best
of kings, these she-monkeys cannot go by jumping. Dost thoo
not percive that they have travelled so far on foot ? Those
thy wives, having moon-like countenances, have always thy
welfare in view. Why dost thou not, O best of monkeys,
cast thy looks towards them and Sugriva f O king, these

KISHKlNDHlKlNDAM. 763

tby counsellors, thy wives headed by Tari, and all these
citizens are bewailing around thee. O slayer of foes, do
thou despatch thy counsellors to the city and we shall
all enjoy in this forest, excited with amours The other
ahe-monkeys, worked with sorrow, raised up T§rSl bewailing
thus being exercised with grief consequent upon the demise
of her husband. Thereupon Angada along with Sugriva,
overwhelmed with grief, weeping, placed his Sire's body on
the funeral pile. And putting fire duly, he circumambulated his
Sire, bound for a journey for good. Having duly cremated
VUt's body,the foremost of monkeys arrived at a river of aus-
picious water with a view to perform the watery ceremony.
And all these monkeys along with Sugriva and Tara, placing
Angada before them, sprinkled water. And the highly power-
ful K&kuthsha, equally aggrieved like Sugriva, being as poorly,
oonducted duly the obsequious ceremonies of VSLli. Thereupon
cremating ViLli, gifted with unequalled prowess, slain with
one shaft of the foremost of Ikswakus^ and like unto flaming
4ire, Sugriva appeared before Rftma who was in the company
of Lakshmana.

SECTION XXVI.

wi#>*

And thereupon those foremost of monkeys waited there,
surrounding Sugriva exercised with grief and wearing wetted
cloth. And they all, approaching the mighty-armed RUma
of unwearied actions, stationed themselves with folded hands

like unto the great ascetics around the Grand-Father (of the
celestials). Thereupon HanumILn, the son of Marut, resem-
bling a golden hill and having a countenance resembling
the rising Sun, spake with folded hands, saying : — '<By thy
assistance, O Kakutlistha, O lord, this great ancestral kingdom
of the highly powerful monkeys, having sharpened teeth.

764 nXxXrANA.

incapable of being acquired by the high-souled onfts,hath been
attained to (by Sugriva). Being commanded by thee, he
along uith his friends, entering this city, shall perform the
royal duties. And being duly bathed he shall worship thee
particularly, with garlands, jewels, scents and oshadhis. It
behoveth thee to enter this pleasant mountain cave and
satisfy these monkeys by installing (Sugriva on the throne)."
Being thus accosted by Hanumin, the highly intelligent
RSghava, skilled in speech and the slayer of foes, replied :—
"O gentle HanumSln, abiding by my Sire's mandate, I shall
not enter a hamlet or a city for these fourteen years. Let
Sugriva, the foremost of monkeys, enter this magnificent
celestial cave and do ye all instal him speedily on the throne."
Having thus addressed HanumSn, RSlma spake unto
Sugriva, saying : —''Conversant with customs as thou art,
do thou instal this generous and heroic Angada, gifted with
prowess and honoring customs, as the heir-apparent of the
throne. This brave and eldest son of thy elder brother—
Angada, is truly worthy of the heir-apparentship. O gentle
one, this month of Srdbana^ which is the first of those four
months which make up the rainy season, hath set in and this
is not the time therefore to institute any enquiry about Sit9.
Do thou therefore cuter thy auspicious city and I shall live in
this mountain along with Lakshmana. Pleasant indeed is
this mountain cave, spacious, filled witli air, water and many
lotuses. Thou shalt engage in endeavours to bring about the
destruction of RSvana, after Kartika sets in. This is not
the proper time, O gentle one, and do thou enter thy ows
city. And being installed on the throne do thou ehhacce the
joy of thy friends." Being thus commanded by Rima,
Sugriva, the foremost of monkeys entered the pleasant city of
Kishkindhd, reared by Vdli. Encircling that lord of monkeys
thousands of them entered the city. Beholding the lord of
monkeys, the subjects bowed unto him, lowering their heads
on the ground. Welcoming the subjects and raising tbea

KISHKINDHlKlNDAM. j^S

ip, the highly powerful Sugriva entered the pleasant inner
apartment of his brother. On his entering the city, his friends
mstalled the highly powerful foremost of monkeys --Sugriva,
00 the throne like unto the celestials placing the thousand-
eyed Deity (on the kingdom). The monkeys brought for
bim a copper«colored golden umbrellaj white chowries, a
magnificent golden staff, diverse jewels, various seeds and
medicating drugs, roots and flowers of glomerous fig
trees, white clothes, white sandal paste, fragrant garlands,
flowers growing in water and on land, celestial sandal and
yarious scents, fried grain, gold, Priyangu* honey, clari-
fied butter, curd, tiger-skin, a pair of excellent sandals,
gorochanaX and red Arsenic. Carrying all those things
there came sixteen maids, highly delighted. Thereupon
those monkeys pleased the foremost of twice-born ones
with jewels clothes and eatables, with a view to instal
that best of monkeys. And these conversant with mantras
threw clarified butter, sanctified by mantras^ into flaming
fire burning on a Kuca bed. And placing him on an excellent
throne facing the east, uttering duly mantrds in that golden
room situated on the summit of the picturesque palace and
beautified with magnificent coverlets and garlands, and
collecting pure water from various rivers, sacred places and
oceans, those foremost of monkeys kept it in golden jars.
Gaya, Gabaksha, Gabaya, Sarava, Gandhamadana, Mainda,
Divida, Hanum&n and J§mbub§n, installed Sugriva with
auspicious horns of a bull and golden jars according to the
rites prescribed by Sastras and sanctioned by the great
saints like unto the celestials installing the thousand eyed
Deity with pure, fragrant water. Sugriva being installed

* A mediciiial plant, and perfume, commonly known by the name Priyan^
mad described in tome placet at a fra^^nt teed.— T.

t A bright yellow pigment prepared from the urine of a cow, or committed
io the thape of tcibol9 by the animal, or according to some found io the
tead of m cow^— T.

766 RlMlFANA.

thus, these liigii-souled and foremost of monkeys, by liundreds
and thousands, began to clatter with delight. Abiding by
Rama's words, Sugriva, the lord of monkeys, embracing
Angada.conferred on him the heir-apparentship of the throne.
And Angada being thus installed, those best of monkeys,
highly delighted, adored the high-souled Sugriva, extolling
him again and again. Angada and Sugriva being thus
established, they all, greatly delighted, praised again and
again the high-souled RSma and Lakshmana. And the city
of Kishkindha,filled with stoutly built people and adorned with
pennons and flags, appeared beautiful in the mountain cave.
Communicating unto the high-souled R&ma the news of
instailation^the highly powerful lord of monkey hosts (Sugriva)
getting back his wife Ruma, regained the kingdom like unto
the lord of celestials.

SECTION XXVII.

\Jn Sugriva being installed and the monkeys enterinj^
the cave, Rama, along with his younger brother, got at the
Prasrabana hill, resounded with the noise of tigers and deer,
filled with terrible lions, covered with diverse trees, creepers
and bowers, inhabited by bears, monkeys, Gopuchyas and
cats, resembling a collection of clouds and always auspicious.
RSma, along with Saumitri, selected for his habitation, a
spacious cave, situated on the summit of that hill. Making
the above condition with Sugriva, Rftma, the pure-souled
descendant of Raghu, spake unto his humble younger brother
Lakshmana, the enhancer of;wealth,the following sound words,
worthy of being spoken on that occasion — "O Saumitri, O
slayer of foes, in this pleasant and spacious mountain cave
filled with air, we shall pass the rainy season. Oson of a king,
this summit of the hill is excellent and picturesque^ beautified

KISHKINDHIkANDAM. 767

^th white^ black and coppery stones, filled with diverse
metals and river frogs, covered with diverse trees and plea-
sant creepers, resounded with the musical notes of various
birds and cries of peacocks and beautified with various
flowery trees,such as Malatty KundaSySindubarai{a) Sirtsajib)
Kadamba^ Arjunat{c) and Sarja\d) O son of a king, this
pond filled with full blown lotuses shall always be near
our cave. This cave shall be worthy of our habitation, O
gentle one, having its north-eastern part low and the western
part high. There is, O Saumitri, at the entrance of the cave,
a ievel| beautiful, spacious stone, black like unto collyrium.
Behold O my brother, on the north, the summit of the hill,
resembling collyrium and a rising cloud. There appears on
the south a beautiful white hill resembling the Kaila^a filled
with various metals. Behold before the cave the mudless
stream, flowing towards the east like unto Janhavi^e) in the
Trikuta(f) mountain. This rivulet appears like unto a damsel
ornamented and clothed, being filled with various trees, such
as-^aif/Ai/, Tt'laka, Sdla, TamalaSy Attmuktas^ig) Padmaka^
Saralas,{h) Asokas, Bineeras^ij) Timidas^ Vakulas^ Ketakas^
HintalaSf Tinicas^ Neepas, Vetashas, Kritamalakas growing
00 her banks. This rivulet resounded with various notes
of hundreds of various birds, filled with CAairabakas Sittsiched
to each other, crowded with geese and Sarasas, having
picturesque banks, and various jewels, is as it were laughing

(a) As small tree — Vitex negundo. — T.

W A kind of tree— Acacia Sirisa.— T.

(e) A tree — Pentaptera arjunee. — T.

{d) The Sola tree (Shorea robusta) another tree (Pentaptera Arj una. — T.

(#) The river Ganges — literally^the daughter of Janhu a saint. The Ganges
is called so 00 account of her supposed origination from the thigh of the great
•aiot.— T.

ff) The name of a mountain — literally it means — having three peaks. — ^T.

{g) A tree (Dalbergia on jeimaisis) — Mountain ebony. — T.

(A) A sort of pine^ (Pinis longifolia) — T.

(0 A sort of cane or ratan, (Calamas Rotany). — T.

768 RlAtlFANA.

on all sides. Here it appears covered with violet lotuses, hero
with red lotuses and there again with celestial white water-
lilies. This pleasant and picturesque stream is filled with
various water fowls and Chakravakas and served by many
a saint. Behold there the rows of pleasant sandal trees
and those Kukuvas which have grown up as it were like unto
mental emotion. Picturesque indeed is this place, O slayer
of foes, and we shall happily live here, O son of SumitrS.
At no distance, O son of a king, from this place is situate
the pleasant city of Sugriva — KishkindhSl, filled with forests.
Hear then, O best of conquerors, the sound of music, and
the clatter of monkeys mingled with the sound of Mridangas,
Forsooth is rejoicing Sugriva — the foremost of monkeys,
getting back his wife, regaining his kingdom, and attaining
to regal splendour." Having said this, RSlghava, along
with Lakshmana, dwelt in that Prasravana hill abounding
in caves and bowers. He did not attain to a best felicity
although he lived in that pleasant hill filled with many
things. Pondering over the ravishment of his spouse, dearer
than his life^ beholding the setting of the Sun in particular,
he did not go to sleep, although he laid himself on the bed
in the night. His younger brother Lakshmana, equally ag«
grieved, spoke unto K&kutstha, thus bewailing being exercised
with grief and almost beside himself with sorrow, consequent
upon SitSL's bereavement, saying : — ''It doth not behove
thee to lament thus, being exercised with grief — it is not
unknown unto thee that people, thus bewailing do exhaust
themselves by and by. O RSghava, thou art devoted to
pious actions and the services of the Deity in this world—
and pious, energetic and dost believe in the existence of
God. Without being persevering thou shalt not be able to
destroy in conflict thy enemy — that terrible, willy R&kshasa.
Do thou renounce thy grief and take recourse to energy and
thou shalt be able to slay that RSLkshasa with all bis family.
What of the destruction of RSvana, thou art O Klkutstliav

KISHKINDHIkJlNDA M. 7^9

capable of uprooting the earth with oceans, forests and hills.
Rains have set in and do thou wait for the autumn when thou
shalt encompass the destruction of Ravana with his kingdom
and kinsmen. I, too^ am exciting thy latent energy like unto
6re bidden in ashes with oblations. Welcoming the
auspicious and well-meaning accents of Lakshmana, RSighava
again spake unto him' the following affectionate words : —
*'0 Lakshmana, truly do thy words become thee, affectionate,
devoted, truthful and intent on my welfare as thou art.
Renouncing this grief standing in the way of all business,
I shall call forth, the more, this my energy on the occasion
of displaying my prowess. I shall live here, awaiting the
autumn and abiding by thy ^ords and awaiting as well
Sugriva's pleasure and the clear currents of the rivers.
Heroes receiving favours always return them ; the ungrateful
lose the friendship of the honest.'' Considering R§ma's words
as highly sound and welcoming them therefore, Lakshmana,
with folded hands, spake unto -Rama of graceful appearance,
displaying his own intelligence — **0 lord of men, I fully
approve of all thou hast said. The monkey-chief shall soon
engage in our service. Resolved on the destruction of thy
enemy, do thou spend here this rainy season awaiting the
autumn. Subduing thy wrath, and awaiting the autumn, do
thou with me spend these four months in this hill filled with
deer, capable as thou art of encompassing the destruction of
thy enemy."

SECTION XXVIII.

JL HEREUPON encompassing the destruction of Vali, install-
ing Sugriva and dwelling on the summit of the MSLlyabana
hill, RSma spake unto Lakshmana, saying, ''This is the time
— the beginning of the rainy season — do thou behold the sky

770 Ill^.il'ANA.

enveloped witn clouds resembling so many hills. The sky,
drinking the liquid contents of the ocean through the rays of
the Sun, and being enceinte for nine months, is giving birth
to showers. Ascending the sky by the steps of clouds, one
can ornaihent the Sun with garlands of Kutajas and Arjunas.
Like unto a wound covered with a torn cloth, the sky is
enveloped with cool clouds, coppery with the rays of the
setting Sun, and yellow at another end. The sky, having
mild breezes as its breath, sprinkled with sandal-like evening
rays and covered with yellow clouds, is appearing as it were
like one stricken with amour. The earth, afflicted with pers-
piration and filled with new water, is emitting forth vapour
like unto Sit^ racked with sorrow. Ketaka smelling breezes
may be drunk up in the cavity formed by putting the
hands together, like unto cold water discharged off the
clouds and mixed with camphor. This hill, having blown
Arjunas and Ketakas and rii of its enemies like unto
Sugriva, hath been bathed with showers. These hillocks,
having clouds for dark deer-skins, heavy showers for sacred
threads and having caves filled with air, are appearing like so
many Brahmins who have finished their studies. The sky,
being struck by thunders like unto so many golden lashes,
is, as if, groaning under a deep mental agony. Methinks, the
lightning, shining by the violet clouds, is appearing like unto
the poor Vaidehi at the lap of RAvana. These quarters,
enveloped with clouds and having therefore the Moon and
stars hidden, are indeed very pleasant unto those who are
under the influence of Cupid. Behold, O Saumitri, on the
summits of the hill the flowery Kutajas enveloped with the
vapour arising out of the earth, gladdened at the approach
of the rainy season and exciting my amour who am stricken
with grief. (In this season) the dust is watered, the air Is
saturated with dews, all the evils of the summer are stopped,
the kings no longer proceed on royal marches and those
journeying in a foreign land return their native homes. The

KISHKINDHIkXND a M. 77 1

Chakrabikas along with their mates are proceeding, being
desirous to live in the Mdnasa Saravara; and in consequence
of incessant rains, chariots and other conveyances cannot
pass along the wayfares. Somewhere hidden, somehere open,
the sky, covered with clouds, appears like a vast ocean, being
encircled here and there with hills. There speedily pass
by the bill streams^ being resounded with the cries of peacocks,
carrying with the current Sarja and Kadamva flowers and
having their coppery contents mixed with the metals of
the mountain. People (in this seasoii)live upon many a sweet
rose-apple ; and ripe mangoes, of diverse colors, being shaken
by the wind, fall on the earth. The clouds, resembling the
summits of a mountain, having lightnings for pennons and
cranes for garlands, are muttering like unto infuriated
elephants in a field of battle. The forest-lands, having their
green pastures emerged in water, with peacocks dancing all
around with joy and clouds discharging their watery volumes
incessantly, are appearing more graceful in the evening.
(In this season) clouds, surrounded by cranes and heavily
laden with water, are constantly moving, sometimes resting
on the high summits of the mountains and emitting a mutter-
ing sound. And rows of cranes, fond of clouds, rising
ttp in the sky, delighted and moved by the wind, are appear-
ing like a garland of white lotuses, spread along the welkin.
And the earth, covered with green grass and variegated
with newly born insects, is appearing like a damsel clothed
with a white blanket spotted here and there with lac.
(In this part of the year) sleep is gradually overcoming the
great God Nir&yana, :he river is flowing speedily towards
the ocean, the delghted cranes are approaching the clouds
and the damsels are proceeding towards their lovers. The
peacocks are dancing at the forest skirts, the Kadamva trees
are covered with flowers, the bulls have become attached
unto kine and the earth has become charming with corns and
forests. The rivers are flowing by ; the clouds arc discharg-

772 RlXlFANA.

ing waters ; the infuriated elephants are emitting terrible
roars ; the forest-lands are growing more charming ; persons,
separated from their wives, are growing more anxious ; the
peacocks are dancing with delight and the monkeys are
greatly comforted for Sugriva's attaining to the kingdom.
By the fountains in the forests, the infuriated elephants
delighted with the fragrance of the Ketaka flowers and mad-
dened with the noise of the water falls, are emitting terrible
roars along with the peacocks. The black bees, resorting to
the branches of the Kadamba trees and overwhelmed with
showers, are, as if, slowly discharging their temporal juice —
namely the honey of flowers collected by them ere while.
The branches of rose-apple trees containing enough of fruits
like unto a collection of char coal are so appearing as if the
black bees are drinking the juice thereof. The dense clouds,
ornamented with pcnnon-like lightnings and emitting terrible
roars.are appearing like so many elephants, mad after fighting.
The infuriated lord of elephants, following in the track and
ranging in the hills and forests,hearing the muttering of clouds
and taking it for the uproar of another elephant, has turned
back, with a view to enter into conflict with him. Somewhere
the bees are humming, somewhere the peacocks are dancing
— somewhere are ranging the infuriated elephants — and in
this way the forest-land has assumed diverse appearances.
It appears like unto a drinking-place,covered with Kadambas,
Sarjas, Arjunas and lotuses growing on land, filled with
water resembling honey and with the dance and cries
of mad peacocks. The birds, having their wings discolored,
being wet with water, delighted and thirsty, are drinking the
drops of clear water falling on leaves and discharged by the
Lord of celestials.''^ The sonorous humming of the bee5, being
accompanied by the gutteral sound of tiie frogs and the
mutterings of the clouds, resembling the sound of Mridangas,
an organised music, as if, hath begun in the forest. Sometimes

* According to Hindu mythology Indra is the god of rains.— T.

KISHKINDHA KlJSiDA M. 773

dancing, sometimes setting up loud cries, sometimes placing
themselves against the tops of the trees, the peacocks, having
beaatifully ornamented exteriors, have commenced music
in the forest. And rising from their perpetual sleep by the
muttering of clouds, the frogs, assuming various shapes and
making diverse sounds, are setting up cries being distressed
with new watery showers. The rivers, carrying Chakrabdkas
astheir breast and leaving behind their old banks,are approach-
ing, being excited, their own lord with various new presents.
Clouds, big with new waters coming in contact with violet
ones are appearing as such ; and sometimes, touching the
hills burnt by forest-fire, are appearing like deep-rooted
hills. The elephants are ranging in this charming forest-
laod, carrying the fragrance of Neepas and Arjunas^ having
its green swards filled with Indragopas* and with delighted,
peacocks dancing all around. The black bees, delighted,
are drinking honey, embracing the shower-distressed and new
filaments of the lotuses and Kadamva flowers. (In this
season) the elephants are infuriated, the bulls are delighted,
the lions have grown more powerful, the hills are charming —
the kings are devoid of all active pursuits, and the Lord
of celestials is engaged in sport with clouds. The clouds
ranging in the welkin and discharging heavy showers, are
roaring like unto ocean ; and the rivers, ponds and pools are
deluging the earth with their watery contents. (In this
season) heavy showers set in — the wind blovveth mightily and
the rivers breaking down their banks flow quickly blockading
the wayfares. The mountains are, as if, displaying their own
beauty and grace being as it were bathed by the cloud-like
jars, conferred by the lord of celestials and brought by the
wind like unto a king sprinkled by men. The sky is enveloped
with clouds and neither the sun nor the stars can be seen —
the earth is satisfied with new showers — and the quarters
being covered with darkness cannot be seen. The high

* An insect (Coccinella of various kinds). — ^T.

/ /

RlJilrjxj

summits, of the mooataias, being washed hf showers anc^
beautified by far-Htretching waterfalls resembliog pearls, ar^
appearing more graceful. The hearj mountain waterfalls^
loseaing the rocks and stretching over the cares filled witlr
the cries of peacocks, are appearing like a pearl-necklace.
And the quick streaming waterfalls, of the mountains, wash-
ing the summits of the hills, and resembling the pearls, are
being deposited in the care at the foot And watery drops
resembling the pearls of the necklaces used by celestial
damsels are pouring on all sides. The setting of the Sun is
announced by the birds taking to their nests, lotuses growing
pale and Aid /at is blossoming. The royal marches are all stop-
ped, and the soldiers, who have already marched are waiting in
the way — hostility and wayfares have been equally blockaded
by water. This month of Bhadra is the time of study-
ing for those Brahmins, who chant Sima Vedas. Having
. roofed all his houses and stored up his food, Bharata, the
king of Ko^ala hath set upon the performance of Ashara
sacrifices. The river Saraju is now brimful with water.
Seeing me return as if AyodhyS herself is making a delightful
noise. Clearly manifest are now all the signs of the rainy
season and Sugriva, rid of his enemies, established on the
vast kingdom, and regaining his wives, hath attained to best
felicity. And I am, O Lakshmana,\vaning everyday like unto
the banks of a river, being separated from my spouse and
deprived of my vast kingdom. Immense is my grief, in-
accessible is this rainy season and mighty is my enemy,
R&vana ; methinks it is impossible for me to bring about
the discomfiture of my foe. Owing to the unfitness of the
season (for marching against my foe) and the wayfares being
inacessible, I cannot possibly request Sugriva (to march)
although he is prepared to abide by my mandate. Moreover
after a good deal of affliction he has regained his wives,
and my service is of very great difficulty ; so I do not wish
to request that monkey-chief now. Forsooth, shall Sugriva

KISHKlNDHlKlNDAM. 775

Ikink of the benefits (he has received from me) after enjoying
rest for sometimej when the time for action shall arrive.
Therefore I shall| O Lakshmana, live here, awaiting the
pleasare of Sugriva and the clear currents of the rivers (the
autumn). Heroes receiving benefits, do always return them.
The ungrateful lose the good wishes of the great ones/' Being
thus accostedi Lakshmana, with folded hands, respecting
highly bis words, spake unto the graceful R^ma, pointing
out his own welfare. ''Forsooth shall that lord of monkeys
carry out all thy wishes. Do thou therefore spend here the
rainy season, awaiting the autumn.''

SECTION XXI X.

JjEHOLDING the clear welkin, void of clouds and light-
nings, filled with Sarasas 2iwA sprinkled with the charming rays
of the Moon, HanumSLn, the son of Marut, versed in religious
lore and political economy, and conversant with effects proper
to the time or season, approaching the Lord of monkeys,
addressed him with various sound, reasonable and pleasant
words, well-meaning, true and teaching the. means of
acquiring forgiveness, piety and wealth. Acquiring riches
Sugriva hath grown careless for the collection of righteous-
ness and wealth, is following the track of the vicious, and is
addicted to the satisfaction of sensual appetites — having all his
actions stopped and desires attained — and given to enjoyments
with damsels. Having attained all his desires and wishes,
his own wife and the much-desired-for Tira, Sugriva is
sporting with them, day and night, without any affliction, like
unto the Lord of celestials with Gandharbas and Apsaras.
Placing all the royal affairs at the hands of the counsellors,
without looking to them, and confiding fully in their abilities

Ilfi RAMlYANA.

he is living like one under the influence of passions — 'Tbou
hast attained thy kingdom, fame, and thy vast ancestral
wealth. It now behoveth thee to perform thy duties by thy
friends. Truly doth his kingdom, fame and prowess increase
who is cognizant of the seasonableness of time and doth
good to his friends. O king, truly doth he attain to a vast
kingdom, who hath the same wealth, soldiery and body with
his friends. It becometh thee, therefore, who art crowned with
a good character, and who dost wend a blameless track, to
work out thy friend's well-being (as promised by thee). H^»
who doth not engage in the service of his friends renouncin S
all business, becometh void of all energy and involved!^
unnecessary troubles. And he, who engageth in his friend*' -
ser\'ice after the proper season is over, does nothing to hi -
well-being, though he performs a great thing. O slayer c^
foes, soon shall the time for performing thy friend's service, b -*
over ; do thou therefore encompass Raghava's good, namel^S
the searching out of Vaidehi. O king, Rlma, conversan
with the seasonableness of time and wise as he is, is noff^
informing thee of it, though the proper time is past ; an(^
though he is in hurr}', he is waiting for thee. Rftghava
as well as Lakshmana, who are the instruments of thy attain-—'
ing to this vast kingdom, and thy friends for so lon^
a time, are persons of incomparable prowess by virtue o^
their unequalled accomplishments. He hath already per--
formed thy service, and it behoveth thee now, O lord
of monkeys, to command the foremost of monkeys to eogage
in his service. To engage, out of season, in a service, uncalled
for, is not blameable ; but to defer the performance of an
action in proper time after promising is indeed an object of
censure. O lord of monkeys, thou dost engage even in the
service of one who doth thee no good, then why slialt thou
not engage in the benefit of RSlma who hath favoured thee
by encompassing the destruction (of V&Ii) and securing for thee
thy kingdom ? O lord of monkeys and bears, truly thou art

KISHKINDHlKlNDA M.

n f

gifted with prowess and strength, why dost thou not prepare
thyself for satisfying Da^arathec's commands ? Da^arathee
himself IS capable of subduing the celestials, Asuras and great
serpents — he is simply awaiting the fulfilment of thy promise.
He hath performed a great service at the risk of his life — we
shall therefore find out Vaidehi whether she is in this earth
orin the welkin. Even the celestials, Danavas, Gandharbas,
Asuras, Marutas, Yakshas are afraid of him in the battle-
field— what of the insignificant Rakshasas. O lord of
monkeys, it therefore behoveth thee to do good by all
»ueans unto the powerful Rama, who benefitted thee before.
O lord of monkeys, who is there amongst us, who shall
not at thy command proceed unto water, sky or the region
Under the earth? O blameless one, there are more than
^>iie koti of invincible monkeys under thee, do thou com-
'^land, who shall proceed and to what quarter ?*' Hearing
^liese words of Hanuman, said on a very proper occasion,
*-lie intelligent Sugriva, made up his mind for a worthy
^^nd. Thereupon the highly intelligent Sugriva ordered
^^"^e ever active Neela, to collect soldiers from various
^viartcrs. '*Do thou so arrange as all my hosts and soldiers
^^^'ith their commanders soon come here. Do thou soon bring
^Cire at my behest all the energetic and quick-coursing
donkeys and commanders spreading their conquests to the
^nd of the earth. (After their arrival) do thou thyself
k inspect and count all those monkeys. He who shall not
I ^each here within fifteen days shall be punished with the loss
\ of his life. There is no need of scrutinizing my orders.
Abiding by my order, do thou see along with Angada all
the elderly monkeys." Having thus arranged, that best of
monkeys entered the inner apartment.

77^ RAX'AFANA.

SECTION XXX

{^UGRIVA having entered his palace, and the sky being
cleared of the clouds, R5ma, racked with grief, passing the
rainy season and beholding the yellow welkin, the clear disc
of the Moon, the autumnal night sprinkled with the rays of
the Moon, the ^;;/c7wr-stricken lord of monkeys, the
ravishment of the daughter of Janaka, and the season
well-nigh expired, became overwhelmed with sorrow and
senseless. And regaining his sense after soncetime, the
highly intelligent king — Raghava began to think of Vaidehi
although always present in his mind. And beholding
the clear sky void of lightnings and clouds and filled with
the noise of Sdrasas^ Raghava began to lament piteously)
stationing himself on the summit of the hill ornamented with
metals of golden hue. And beholding the autumnal sky
he engaged in the meditation of his beloved spouse. How !
shall that Sarasa-woxctA damsel be pleased to-day, who, while
sporting in the hermitage, used to warble like Sdrasas, to
invite them. Beholding Asana trees, as if covered with golden
flowers and not beholding me how shall that damsel be
pleased? How that exquisitely fine damsel having a sweet
voice shall be pleased to-day, who used formerly to awake
at the sounds of the drakes ? Hearing the noise of her
companions — Chakrabdkas^ how shall that one, of expan-
sive eyes resembling lotuses, live ? Without her having the
eyes of a fawn, I do not attain to felicity to-day, ranging at
large by ponds, streams, pools and in forests and woods. For-
sooth shall Cupid excited by the approach of the autumn,
distress her the more on account of my separation and her
personal charms.'' Thus bewailed that best son of a king like
unto the bird Sdranga soliciting water from the lord of celes-
tials. And the graceful Lakshmana, returning from the pic-

KISHKlNDHlKllSlDA M. 779

turesque mountain-summits where he had sojourned in quest
of fruits, beheld his elder brother. And beholding in that
lonely forest his brother, racked with anxious thoughts hard to
bear and almost beside himself (with grief) the high-minded
Saumitri, prompted by his brother's grief, spoke unto him
very poorly, saying: — ''O worshipful one, what hast thou
perpetrated by placing thyself under the control of passions
and defeating thy manliness ? Thy deep and devout medita-
tion hath been purloined by thy grief ^ and it is by religious
contemplation that thy grief shall be terminated now. O
brother, after going through the ceremonies of bathing and
so forth, and acquiring peace, do thou bring all thy time
under thy control by virtue of the concentration of soul ; and
being of unmitigated strength do thou resort to power and
help, the key-notes for the accomplishment of thy great object.
O lord of men, jSnaki, husbanded by thee, is not capable of
being easily possessed by others. O hero who getting at a
flame of fire, doth not burn himself ?" Thereupon Rima
spoke unto Lakshmana, gifted with royal marks, address-
ing him with natural and resolute words and saying : —
*'What thou hast said, is sound, well-meaning, sanctioned by
polity and speaks of piety, wealth and forgiveness. It
should therefore, without the least doubt,be performed by me.
It behoveth me to engage in contemplation about the eternal
truth regarding the Deity and in ascetic observances. Or
else O Prince, it is not proper to think of the fruits of a
difficult, highly developed and energetic action." Thereupon
thinking of Maithelee, having eyes resembling lotus-petals,
RSma spoke unto Lakshmana with a dried countenance.
"Having satisfieil the earth with a profuse discharge of
water, produced crops and thus, finished his work, the
thousand eyed Deity is sitting silent. O son of a king,
the clouds, muttering a long and deep sound and approaching
the hilU and trees, are calmed having discharged their liquid
contents. Having made the ten quarters dark blue, the

7 So KXmAFANA.

clouds, resembling blue lotuses, have become calm, like unto
elephants without temporal juice. O gentle one, high gales
accompanied with rains, big with water and fragrant with
Kutaja and Arjiina flowers being driven before hither
and thilher, have now become silent O innocent Laksh-
mana, the sounds of clouds, elephants, peacocks, and
fountains, have been all stopped. Hills, having variegated
summits, being washed by dense clouds and thus free from
dirt and impurities, do appear elegant b^ing sprinkled by
the rays of the Moon. Forsooth hath the autumn set io,
dividing its grace in the branches of Sapfachada \xtt%\^
the rays of the Sun and Moon with stars and in the gaits of
the excellent elephants. Surely hath the autumnal grace
resorted to many things. And it hath appeared more
profusely in the lotuses blossomed by the first rays of the Sun.
Scented sweet with the flower of Saptachada trees, borowing
the musical notes of bees, following the wind and subduing
the pride of infuriated elephants, the autumn is appearing
very elegant. The swans are playing with Chakrabakas
liavini^ splendidly spacious wings, fond of cupid, crusted with
the filaments of lotuses, and arriving at the banks of the
rivers. The antumnal grace is appearing more elegant
being divided in infuriated elephants, in proud kine, and in
streams of clear currents. Beholding the sky divested oi
clouds, without manifesting the beauty of their taik
and renouncing their attachment unto their beloved
niatcs, amusements and beauty, the peacocks are as if all
engaged in meditation in the forest. The forest-laods
arc as if a-blaze with many a sweet-scented picturesque
Priyaka trees, having a golden hue and their tops low-
ered down with the weight of flowers. The ijails, o(
the elephants rendered idle with a profuse dischai^e
of temporal juice, fond of forests and water lilies, smell-
ing the fragrance of the flowers of Saptachhada trees
and accompanied by their mates, have become slow. Th«

KISHKINDHUkANDA M. 781

sky is clear like unto a sword — the streams liave becoftie
of feeble currents — the wind, cool and scented with the fra-
grance of white esculent waterlilies, is blowing — and quarters
have become devoid of darkness. The mud has been
dried up by the rays of the Sun and the earth is filled
with dust — this is the time for preparation for inimical
kings (to enter into conflict). The bulls, having their
beauty enhanced by the autumn, and their body covered
with dust, delighted, infuriated and henco desirous of
entering into skirmish, have been setting up terrible
roars in the midst of kine. The she-elephants, moving
slowly, fond, passionate ani accompanied by other members,
have been following their passionate mates, in the forest,
embracing them. Leaving behind their excellent orna-
ments— the tails, the peacocks, getting at the banks of the
rivers, have been going away poorly and with depressed
hearts as if being remonstrated with by the Sdrasas. Having
terrified the Kdrandavas and Chakrabakas with their mighty
roars, the elephants, having cleft trunks and being agitated
again and again, have been drinking water in the ponds
filled with full blown lotuses. The drakes have been jumping
delightedly into the rivers, mudless, covered with sands, full
of clear water, filled with kine and resounded with the notes
of Sdrasas. Now hath stopped the noise of rivers, clouds,
fountains, water, the high winds, the peacocks and the
mirthless frog^s. And venomous snakes of vareiagated colors,
having lived for a pretty long time during the rains
without food, have on the approach of the autumn, come
out of their dens, hungry, in quest of their prey. The
red-dyed evening hath renounced the welkin, being de-
lighted at the touch of the rays of the Moon and opening
a little her eyes — the stars. Having the rising Moon for
her elegant countenance, the stars for her excellent
open eyes and the rays for a piece of white garment,
the night appeareth like a damsel wearing a white cloth

ySz Richly AN A.

Having fed on ripe white rice, the excellent rows of
delighted Sdrasas are flying quickly up to the sky like unto
a well-strung garland shaken by the wind. The water, of the
lake filled with sleeping drakes and water lilies, is appearing
like the sky in the night, devoid of clouds and filled with
the Full Moon and stars. The ponds^ having the drakes
scattering hither and thither for their girdles and
engarlanded with full blown lotuses and water lilies, are
appearing like so many damsels ornamented with diverse
ornaments. The sound set up by the wind in the dawn
like unto that of a pipe accompanied by the music of a
trumpet, being mixed with the noise of the caves and
bulls are as if multiplying each other. The banks of
the rivers are being dressed by the newly blossomed
flowers shaken by the mild breezes and Kdgas. like unto clean,
washed silken clothes. The black bees, bold, given to drin-
king honey, rendered yellow with the filaments of lotuses
And Asana flowers, delighted and accompanied by their mates
nro following the wind in the forest. The clear water, the
blossoming flowers, the noi?e of CraunchaSy the ripe
white rice, the mild breezes, the clear Moon announce
the approach. x)f the Autumn — the removers of the rains. The
rivers, having fishes for their girdles, have become of
slackened course like unto damsels moving slowly in the dawn
being enjoyed by their husbands. The mouths of the rivers,
filled with ChakrabdkaSy covered with aquatic plants and
clothed with Kdgas are appearing like unto the countenances
of damsels pasted with yellow pigments. The most powerful
Cupid hath taken up his terrible bow in this forest filled with
Asana flowers appearing like unto arrows and the hum of
delighted bees. Having satisfied the people with a profuse dis-
charge of water, filled the rivers and pools and covered the
earth with crops^ the clouds have disappeared renouncing the
sky. The rivers in this season of autumn have been gradually
showing their banks. O thou of excellent looks, the ponds ;in

KISHKINDHIkANDAM. 783

this season) appear exquisitely fine, being filled with Kurara
birds and Chakrabikas, O son of king, this is the time of
preparation for inimical kings, desirous of defeating one
another. O son of a king, this is the best time for royal
inarches, but I do not find Sugriva preparing himself for that
end. There appear on the summits of the hills flowers
Asanas, SaptaparnaSfKaviddraSfBandhu^eebaSf^nd Tamalds.
Behold, O Lakshmana, the banks of the rivers filled with
swans, SdrasaSf Chakrabdkas and Kuraras. Stricken as
I am with grief, these four months, the season of rains,
appeared unto me like a hundred year, not beholding Sita.
Like unto Chakrabdkas following their mates, Sita, taking
the terrible forest of Dandaka for a picturesque garden, used
to follow me there. O Lakshmana, Sugriva, is not inclined
to show any commiseration' towards me, who am separated
from my beloved spouse, deprived of my kingdom, banished
and striken with sorrow. Regarding me as one without any
to back him, deprived of his kingdom, insulted by Ravana,
Wretched, of a distant land, under the influence of amour and
therefore seeking his help, (Sugriva hath not felt pity
for me). O subduer of foes, O thou of excellent looks, for
these reasons, I have been insulted by that vicious-souled
king of monkeys — Sugriva. Having appointed the time to
institute enquiries about Sita, that wicked-minded one hath
now forgot it on the accession of his new dignity. Do thou
therefore repair to Kishkindhd and speak of me unto that
stupid lord of monkeys — Sugriva, addicted to rural enjoy-
ments. And do thou tell him — *He, who breaks his promise
made unto a powerful benefactor who solicits his favour, is
regarded by people as vile. He is a true hero and an
excellent person who verifies his words whether good or bad.
Ungrateful they are who do not, after attaining their ends,
engage in the service of those of their friends who have not
accomplished their objects; even those living on raw flesh
do not feed on their gore after their death. And ask him if

;8t RA MAY ANA.

he wishes to behold in battle-field the golden bow resembling
a lightning. And ask him more, if he wishes to hear the
terrible twang of my bow reseipbling the noise of thunder,
when I am enraged in battle. O hero, O son of a king, when
apprised of my prowess assisted by thee, will he not recaps*
tulate in his mind (that he may be destroyed by us like unto
Vali) ? O conqueror of enemies' cities, does not that lord ^^
monkeys,after accomplishing his object, think of the conditiof^^
under which our friendship was contracted? Does not th^*^
lord of monkeys think that he has spent four months i ^
enjoyments, having promised and appointed the season, afte^
rains, (for making) enquiries about SitS ? Does not Sugriv -
feel pity for us, who are racked with sorrow, being addictec:^
to drinking with friends and counsellors? Do thou go, C^
hero, O thou of mighty strength and relate unto Sugrivii^
these my angry words. *0 Sugriva, do not neglect thy**"'
promise and wend the way trodden by Vali. I killed VSLli -
only with my shaft in the battle-field ; but if thou dost deviate
from the path of truth I shall destroy thee along with thy
kinsmen and relatives.' O thoD best of men, do thou speedily
relate unto him all those benefits which we shall reap by his
actions, for the proper season is well-nigh past. O best of
monkeys, do thou carry out thy promise remembering the
eternal existence of virtue. Do thou not behold the spirit
of Vali in the abode of Death, being killed by the shaft
discharged by me." Beholding his elder brother thus enraged
and bewailing, the fiery-spirited Lakshmana, the best of men,
became enraged with Sugriva.

KISHKlNDHlKlNDAM. 785

SECTION XXXI.

JjAKSHMANA again addressed his high-minded elder
brother, the son of a king, influenced by passion, stricken
urith grief, and poorly, with the following words. ''That
monkey shall not follow the actions of the pious, shall not
think of the great fruit (the accession of kingdom) reaped
l)y our friendship ; he shall not enjoy the riches of the
nonkey-kingdom because he has not the right understanding
to make good his promise. Owing to the wane of his under-
standing in consequence of thy favour he is addicted to rural
enjoyments and hath forgot to return thy benefits. O hero,
Icilled let him espy his elder brother Vali. It is not proper
^o confer kingdom upon that wicked-minded one. I am
^Anable to bear the outburst of my ire — forsooth shall I
ill to-day — that liar Sugriva. May the son of Vali with other
rincipal monkeys engage in quest of that daughter
f a king/' Beholding him rise up from the seat with
'^ow in his hand and greatly wrought up with anger and
•^caring him thus announce his intention about the destruction
^^f Sugriva, RSma^ the slayer of foes, spake unto him the
following humble words worthy of bcin^ spoken on that
Occasion. "Persons like thee on this earth do not perpetrate
^'le crime of destroying their friends. He is truly a grent
*^cro and an excellent person who subdues anger by his
^ight understanding, O Lakshmana, it is not proper for thee
^O bring about the destruction of thy friend ; do thou
follow thy former friendship and good feelings. Avoiding
wsh words do thou address Sugriva, who has vioJated
'jis promise, with soothing words." Being thus duly coun-
selled by his elder brother, that best of men, the heroic Laksh-
mana— the slayer of foes, entered the city. Thereupon
the highly intelligent Lakshmana of right understanding,

786 RlXlrANA.

and ever intent upon the welfare of his brothefi taking up '
a bow like unto Indra's, resembling the summit of a hill
and terrible as Death himselfj entered, wrought up with ire,tbe
abode of the king of monkeys like the hill MandSira. Intelli*
gent like Vrihaspati and ever abiding by his elder brother's
behest, Lakshmana, revolving in his mind what he should
say as well as Sugriva's answers, and enveloped with the
iire of anger arising from the excitement of his brother's
amour^ and therefore displeased, proceeded quick as ai^-
And on he proceeded, felling down by his velocity, Sal^^
Tdla, and Asvakarna trees, throwing aside the mountain
summits and other trees, breaking rocks into pieces wi^^
his feet and striding very quickly like unto a fleet-coursir* ^
elephant. And that best of Ikshwakus, beheld that splend ^
city of the king of monkeys, hard to enter^ surrounded
monkey-herds, and mountains. And having his lips swoll
with anger for Sugriva, Lakshmana beheld the terrib
monkeys walking outside the city. Beholding that best
men — Lakshmana, the monkeys resembling elephants entcrei-
the mountainous stronghold and took up the summits of th
hill and huge trees. And observing them armed, Lakshman;^
was doubly inflamed with anger like unto fire kindled wit^
fuels. And beholding Lakshmana, highly enraged, terribl^-
as Death himself at the time of dissolution, the monkeys^
stricken with fear, fled away, by hundreds, into various quar -
ters. Thereat those foremost of monkeys, entering ih^
palace of Sugriva, commimicated unto him, Lakshmana's \x(^
and approach. That amorous chief of monkeys, attacheif
unto Tara, paid no heed to the words of those foremost of
monkeys. Thereupon those terrible monkeys, resembling
hills, elephants and clouds, went out of the city being cora-
maiided by the minister. Some of them had sharpened
teeth and nails, some were grim-visaged, some had teeth
like those of tigers, some had the strength of ten elephants,
omc had the strength of hundred elephants and some

KISHKINDHlKlNDA M. jSr

had that of thousand elephants. Thereupon Lakshmana,
angry, espied the city of Ktshkindhd, hard to enter and
surrounded by mighty monkeys with trees in their
hands. And getting over the ditch around the city walls,
those terrible-looking monkeys stationed themselves openly.
And meditating upon Sugriva's error and his brother's
interest, the self-controlled Lakshmana, heroici proceeded
onwards. Sighing hot and hard, that best of men — Lakshmana,
mrith reddened eyes appeared like unto smoky fire. He
appeared like unto a terrible serpent of five mouths.having the
top of the arow for his tongue,the bow for his expanded hood
and his own prowess for the poison. Beholding him like the
flaming fire of dissolution and enraged lord of serpents,
<Angada, out of fear, became exceedingly sorry. Thereupon
the far-famed Lakshmana, having his eyes reddened with
ire, spoke unto Angada, saying" — O child, do thou inform
Sugriva of my arrival. O conqueror of foes, do thou tell him : —
* lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama, being stricken
"^with grief on account of his brother's disaster, hath come
to thee and is waiting at the gate. If it pleaseth thee, do
thou make good thy promise.' Saying these words do thou
Speedily return, O my child, O conqueror of foes." Hearing
I«akshmana's words, Angada, overwhelmed with grief, aproa-
^hing his uncle said — 'Saumitree hath arrived here.' Being
greatly agitated with harsh words, Angada, with a pale and
poorly countenance issued out speedily and approaching, touch-
ed first the king's feet and afterwards with reverence RumS's
feet. That one of exceeding prowess first touched the feet
of his uncle then saluted again his mother and afterwards
touching the feet of Ruma related unto them every thing
in full. That monkey, possessed by amour and under
the influence of liquor, being asleep could not hear (what
Augada had said). Beholding Lakshmana highly enraged, the
monkeys, possessed by fear, began to make noise as they
were welcoming him. They, approaching Lakshmana b^gan to

788 RiAfAFANA

set up a terrible roar like unto thunder and resemblins;
rthc uproar^of lions and the noise of water-falls. By that
terrible sound awoke that monkey-chief, having coppery
eyes, agitated, ^adorned with garlands and possessed by
liquor. Hcaring'the words of Ani^ada, the two counsellors of
Siigriva, intelligent and of magnificent looks, along with him,
approached that lord of monkeys. And those two ministers
Vaksha and Pravaba, to give him proper counsels, informed
ftliat monkey-chief) of the arrival of Lakshmana. Satisfying
Sugriva with words pointing out his welfare, they sitting by
him, spake unto that lord of wind resembling the king of
celestials, saying : — '*0f those two great and truthful brothers
Rama and Lakshmana, who are born as men, worthy 9f attain-
ing to kingdom and who have gained for thee thy kingdom,
Lakshmana, with a bow in his hand, is waiting at thy gate.
And afraid of whom, the monkeys, trembling, are setting up
terrible roars. That Lakshmana, Raghava's brother, having
words for his charioteer, and perseverance for his chaiiot,
hath approached thee at his brother's command. O blame-
less king, by that Lakshmana — ^TSra's darling, Angada
l.ath been despatched unto thee. O king, of monkeys,
that highly powerful one, having his eyes full of ire, is wait-
ing at thy gate, as if burning down with his eyes all the
monkeys. O king, along with thy children and friends do thou
repair unto him speedily and bowing unto him with thy
head down do thou pacify his wrath. And do thou, O king,
with a composed heart, perform what the virtuous-souled
Rama hath ordered thee to do and thus fulfil thy promise.

KISHKINDHAkINDAM. 789

SECTION XXXII.

EARING the words of Angada as well as of Lakshmana's
wrath, the self-controlled Sugriva along with his counsellors,
left his seat. Ascertaining the weight and lightness of the
present occasion, that one, expert in counjels and abiding
by their advice spake unto the expert counsellors, saying : — "I
have not done him any wrong, nor have I spoken unto him any
improper word. I do not know why R§ghaya*s brother Laksh-
mana hath become offended with me. Lakshmana hath been
falsely apprised of my imaginary weakness by my enemies,
always looking to my dark sides. It behoveth ye all, to ascertain
now speedily according to your knowledge and right under-
standing (the cause of Lakshmana^s wrath). I do not fear
Lakshmana or Raghava ; but friends enraged without any
cau^e do invariably produce fear. It is easy to contract
friendship but very difficult to sustain it ; for owing to the
fickleness of our minds, a very slight cause brings about
separation. I have not done him any good proportionate to
what the high-souled Rama had done for me ; and it is for
this reason that I am afraid of him.'' Being thus addressed
by Sugriva — Hanuman, the foremost of monkey-counsellors,
spoke, according to his own understanding, saying : — '4t is
no wonder, O lord of monkeys, that thou hast not forgot
the unexpected benefit, (thou hadst received at the hands of
Rama). To encompass thy well-being, Vali, powerful as the
Lord of celestials, was fearlessly destroyed by the heroic
RSghava. There is not the least doubt, that Raghava, out of
love, is enraged with thee, and hath despatched his younger
brother Lakshmana, the enhancer of prosperity. O thou
foremost of those conversant with time, the auspicious autumn,
green with Saptachhada flowers, hath set in and thou,
given up to enjoyments, doth not percieve it. The sky,

790 RAM A VAN A,

having the clouds removed, is full of clear stars and planets.
The quarters, the ponds and rivers are all clear. O best
of monkeys, finding thee forgetful, Lakshmana hath come
here to inform thee that the proper time hath arrived. Do
thou patiently hear all these harsh A'ords of the high-souled
Rama, racked with sorrow and separated from his spouse,
which Lakshmana, shall relate unto thee. Thou hast acted
improperly towards him, and I do not find any thing tending
to thy welfare but thy satisfying Lakshmana with folded
hands. The kings should be addressed with auspiciouc words
by their counsellors always ministering unto them proper
counsels. And it is for this reason, lam addressing thee with
these sound w'ords. Raghava, taking up his bow, while
enraged, can bring under subjection the entire world, inhabited
by the celestials, Asuras and Gandharbas, Remembering
his former service, it doth not behove thee, grateful as thou
art, to excite his wrath, who should be pleased again. Bow-
ing unto him, with thy chiMren and friends, do thou, O king,
satisfying thy promise, seek his shelter like unto a wife
placing herself under the control of her husband. O lord of
monkeys, it doth not behove thee, to neglect even in thought,
the behests of Rama and his younger brother ; for thou art
fully aware of the prowess of Raghava like unto the lord of
celestials, and passing human power.

SECTION XXXIII.

:00:-

HEREUPON, Lakshmana, the slayer of foes, command-
ed, entered, at the behest of Rama, the pleasant city of
Kishkindha situated in the centre of caves. Beholding
Lakshmana, the highly powerful monkeys, having huge
persons and waiting at the gate, stood all with folded hands.
And seeing Da9aratha's son highly enraged and sighing again

Kl^HKINDHlKlNDA 31. 79 1

and again, the monkeys stood silent and did not interrupt
him. The graceful Lakshmana espied that huge picturesque
and celestial cave adorned with jewels and flowery gardens.
It was filled with palatial buildings, various jewels and
flowery trees, producing at all times wished-for fruits. It was
beautified with good-looking monkeys — children of the
celestials and Gandhatbas wearing celestial garlands and
clothes and assuming shapes at will. It was fragrant with the
sweet smell of sandal wood, Aguru and lotuses and its high-
ways were equally fragrant with the smell of honey. And
Lakshmana beheld there many spacious buildings like unto
the hills Vindhya and Mem and rivers of clear water. And he
also surveyed the picturesque dwellings of Angada, Mainda,
Divida^ Gavaya, Gabaksha^ Gaja,Sarava,Vidhutmali,SampSiti,
Suryaksha, Hanumin, Beerabahu, Subahu, Nala, Kumuda,
Sushena, TSrS, Jambaban, Dadhibaktra, Neela, Sunetra and
SupSLtala like unto sable clouds adorned with excellent
garlands, filled with rice and jewels and beautiful damsels.
Unobstructed the highly powerful Saumitri entered the
picturesque abode of Sugriva like unto the Sun entering into
a collection of dense clouds. The abode of this lord of
monkeys was like unto the palace of the Lord of celestials,
ornamented with the tops of white buildings resembling the
summits of the Kaila^a hill and flowery trees producing at
all times, wished-for fruits; covered with beautiful trees
having cool shades and bearing celestial fruits and flowers
resembling the molten-gold. And that virtuous-souled one,
crossing the seven rooms filled with conveyances and seats
beheld the secret apartment (of that monkey-chieO, having
many a gold and silver bed-steads with excellent coverlets
and fine seats. No sooner had he entered the inner apart-
ment than he heard a musical sound, well-measured and
accompanied by the music of the stringed instrument. And
that highly powerful one beheld in the abode of Sugriva
many a beautiful damsel proud of their youth and beauty,

792 kAajAVANA,

sprung from respectable families, adorned with' splendid
ornaments, engaged in stringing excellent garlands. And
he observed Sugrlva's servants, welP fed, contented, not
hurry in offering their services and without splendid
ornaments. Hearing the sounds of women's girdles and
their A^upurs* the graceful Lakshmana became highly
ashamed. And highly enraged at the sound of the ornaments,
the hero filled all the quarters with the twang of his bow.
Lak^^hmana of mighty-arms stood silent in a nook, thinking
of his improper conduct of entering into (Sugriva's) seraglio,
albeit he was wrought up with ire in consequence of Sugriva's
neglecting RSLma's service. Thereupon Sugriva, the lord of
monkeys, being apprised of Lakshmana's approach by the
twang of his bow and terrified, trembled on his throne,
and thought aside : — "Forsooth hath Saumitri, fond of his
brother, come, whose approach was announced by Ahgada
before. Informed before by Angada of his approach, and
made doubly sure by the twang of the bow, that monkey
came to know of Lakshmana's arrival and turned pale.
Thereupon Sugriva, the foremost of monkeys, wrought
up with fear, addressed the fine looking TSrS with the
following well-meaning words : — *'0 beautiful lady, dost
thou know, why hath the mild-natured younger brother
of Rama, arrived here enraged ? O blameless lady,
dost thou perceive any cause of the Prince's wrath f
Forsooth, that best of men, is not enraged for a slight
cause. Considering aright, dost thou speedily inform
me if I have performed any improper act towards R5ma.
O fine lady, do thou approach him in person and pacify
him with soothing words. Beholding thee, that purc-souled
one shall not be worked with ire ; great men do never behave
roughly towards the females. Approaching him do thou
console him and thereafter I shall see that conqueror of foes
having eyes resembling lotus-petals." Thereupon Tiril,

* An ornament for their toes or feet. — T.

KISHKINDHlKiNDA M. 793

with (altering feet and eyes wild with wine, the golden
chains of her zone flowing (about her hips), — graced with
aaspicious marks, saught Lakshmana's presence with down-
cast looks. Beholding Tara, the queen of the lord of
nonkeys, Lakshmana, the high-souled son of a king,
restraining his anger on the approach of a female, stood
with his head hung down, conducting himself like an
ascetic. Renouncing modesty under the influence of liquor,
and finding the king's son well pleased, TarlL spake unto
Lakshmana, bold and loving words, in order to console him.
"O son of a king, what is the cause of thy wrath ? Who
is there who hath not abode by thy commands ? Who
can remain without anxiety, beholding fire in a forest filled
with dried trees ?" Hearing the soothing words of Tara,
Lakshmana, undaunted, spoke again, greatly manifesting his
friendship : — *'0 thou intent on thy husband's welfare, dost thou
not perceive that thy husband is by and by losing piety and
wealth, being addicted to amorous enjoyments ? O TarS,
thy husband doth not think of us who are moved with sorrow —
but is addicted to sensual enjoyments only, being surrounded
by parasites. (Having promised that he would institute
enquiries about Sita after four months), that lord of monkeys
hath well-nigh spent the entire period, being influenced
by liquor and addicted to enjoyments along with thee. For
the attainment of piety and wealth, drinking is not a proper
course. It is by drinking that people lose piety, wealth
and desire. He who doth not return the services of his
benefactor, loseth piety. He who loscth friendship with a
qualified friend, loseth wealth. He is the best friend who is
gifted with wealth and is truthful ; and thy husband hath relin-
quished such a friend gifted with these two qualities. And,
therefore, he doth not abide by the virtue of preserving
friendship. O thou expert in business, this being the case,
do thou advise us as to what we should do.'* Hearing the sweet
words of Lakshmana consonant with piety and wealth,

100

794 RXMAVANA.

T^xlk again addressed him about R&ma's business, yet
remaining unaccomplished, with words inspiring con-
fidence,— "O son of a king, this is not the time for dis-
playing thy wrath ; it is not proper to be angry with one's
own friends. O hero, it behoveth thee to put up with
the «rror of him who hath thy welfare in view.

0 prince, who, accomplished with exceHent virtues,
gets enraged with one of inferior merits ? O
prince, who, like thee, an offspring of asceticism, is
worked up with ire against the virtue of forgiveness ? I
know tlie (cause of the) wrath of that heroic monkey's friend.

1 know the time for action. I know wtiat thou hast done
'for us. I know what is due from us to thee. And, O fore-
most of men, I also know the irrisistible force of Kima. I
know by whom Sugriva has been taken captive, and that
•his heart is not now in the work. As thou hast come under
ithe governance of anger,tby mind has not felt the influence of
desire. Even a human being that bath conceived iove,does not
stay for place or time or interest. Do thou forgive that lord
of the monkey race, thy brother, influenced by carnality, who
'is by thee, and who through the urgency of lust, has
banished shame. Even Maharshis finding delight in religion
and asceticism, setting their hearts upon satisfying lust,
(ultimately) become fast bound by ignorance. But this is a
monkey, volatile by nature, and hath, furthermore, been
enjoying regal state — why srfaould he not act thus ?" Having
thus said unto Lakshmana of Mnmeasurable intelligence
words fraught with high import, that female monkey, her
eyes drooping with languor, agam sadly spake in this wise
for the behoof of her husband, *'0 foremost of men, although
Sugriva has come under the sway of desire, he bath, to secnre
^hy good, ere this issued orders for preparations to be made.
And monkeys by hundreds and thousands and toiis^ in*
habiting various mountains, possessed of exceeding prowess,
have already arrived <bere). Do thou thereforei O mighty*

KtSHKINDHlKlNDA M. 79>

iraied one^come. (Having rushed towards the inner apartment)^
thou hast not suffered in character. For the good to behold
others' wives in a friendly spirit, cannot bring on unrighteous-
ness." Permitted by Tftr&j that long-armed repressor of
foes, urged on by (the required) speed, entered the inner
apartment. There seated on a superb seat spread with a
costly carpet, he found Sugriva resembling the sun himself,
Ms person decked with noble ornaments, of a dignified
presence, famous, wearing gay garlands and attire, invincible
like unto the great Indra. And surrounded by dames
adorned with elegant ornan»ents and wreaths, Sugriva with
his eyes stiil more reddened in wrath, looked like the Des-
troyer himself. Then deeply embracing UmSi, the large-
eyed hero of the hue of fine gold, seated on an excellent seat,.
saw the powerful Saumitri having expansive eyes.

SECTION xxx»y.

:oo:—

IBBINO that foremost of men, Lakshmana, exercised with
wrath, as he entered in without let, Sugriva was seized
with sadness. And seeing Da^aratha's son, wroth, and
breathing hard, and flaming up in energy, and burning in
consequence of the calamity that had overtaken his brother,
that chief of monkeys started up, leaving his golden seat,
like unto the mighty ornamented standard of the great Indra.
And as Sugriva rose up, UmSi and the other females rose
ap» like unto stars appearing in the sky when the full moon
has risen. And with eyes reddened, and his hands folded,
the graceful Sugriva came (before Lakshmana) and stood
there like a mighty Kalpa tree. And the wrathful Lakshmana
spake unto Sugriva stationed among women, having Um&
for his second, and resembling the moon with the stars,

796 RlMlFANA.

saying, — "The king that is nobly endowed by heredity, and
is kind, that hath subdued his senses,and is grateful and truth-
telling, obtains renown in this world. And who is more
wicked than that king who, rooted in unrighteousness, makes
false promises unto friends intent upon his welfare ? He
that speaks a falsehood with reference to a horse, becomes
guilty of the deaths of an hundred horses : he committing
himself to a falsehood relative to a cow, reapeth the demerit
of slaying a thousand kine ; while he that uttereth an un-
truth touching a person, destroys self as well as his kindred.
That ungrateful wight that, having at first attained benefit
at the hands of his friends, doth not requite it, is, O lord of
monkeys, worthy of being slain by all creatures. Seeing
an ingrate wretch, the wrathful BrahmSL sang the (previous)
shka^ bowed down unto by all the worlds. Do thou under-
stand that, O monkey. The pious provide deliverance for
the cow-killer, the wine-biber, the thief, and the violator
of vows ; but for the ungrateful person there is no deliver-
ance whatever. Thou art ignoble and ungrateful and lying,
O monkey, since, having been formerly benefitted by Rftma,
thou dost not requite his services. Having been benefitted
by RSima, thou, anxious to repay his kindness, shouldst
exert thyself in search of Sit&. But, of false promises,
thou hast been indulging in gross enjoyments, — nor doth
Rama know thee for a serpent, croaking like a frog.* A
sinful wretch and of wicked soul, thou hast obtained the
kingdom of the monkeys through the agency of the eminent-
ly virtuous, kind and high-souled RSma. Thou dost not
acknowledge the good ofHces rendered unto thee by the
hi;rh-souled R&ghava ; and therefore, slain by means of
bhnrpened shafts, thou shalt soon see V&li. The way that
hath been wended by the slain V&li, is not yet narrowed. Do
thou, O Sugriva, desist in time : do not walk in the wake

* Crying through the voice of the frog in its mouth. Another BcaaiBf
is. "croaking like a frog, to allure frogs to it."— T.

KISHKIN DHAkANDA 31. 797

of V^li. Do not behold the shafts resembling thunder-bolts
shot from the bow of that best of the IkshwSkus. Then,
attaininfjr happiness, thou shalt pass thy days in peace. Nor
do thou mentally neglect RiLma's business/'

SECTI ON XXXV.

HEN SumitrSi's son, Lakshmana, had spoken thus,
flaming in energy, TSri of face fair as the moon, said unto
binii "O Lakshmana, thou ought not to speak thus : and this
lord of monkeys does not deserve to hear this harsh speech
from thy lips, in especial. Sugriva is not ungrateful, or
cunning, or heartless ; nor doth he, O hero, deal in falsehood ;
nor is he deceitful. Nor hath the heroic monkey, O hero,
forgotten the good, incapable of being done by others in battle,
that the hero, RSLma, hath done in his behalf. And, O
afRtctor of foes, through R§ma's grace, Sugriva hath here
attained fame and the enduring empire of the monkeys, as
well as UmSL and myself. Having lain down miserably before,
Sugriva, now that he hath attained this supreme happiness,
doth not heed his urgent duties, like the ascetic Vi9wamitra.
Attached unto GhritSchi, O Lakshmana, the pious and mighty
ascetic, Vi^wSmitra looked upon ten years as one day ;
and that best of those conversant with time, Vi9wamitra of
mighty energy, did not perceive that the time (for doing a
certain act) had arrived. What is to be said of other people ?
O Lakshmana, it behoveth RSLma to forgive one who hath
all the bodily exigencies, who is fatigued, and who is not
satisfied with the pleasures of KSma. Nor, O Lakshmana,
doth it behove thee, without ascertaining the exact import of
things, to become suddenly subject to wrath, like any inferior
person. O chief of men, persons endowed with the quality
of (goodness, like unto thee, do not suffer themselves to come

7vS HXMXyANA.

under the sway of passion, without (at first) heedfully revolv-
ing matters. I crave thy favor with concentrated mind, 0
thou that knowest morality. Renounce the mighty grief
that sprinas from thy ire. This is my conviction that for
compassing R&ma's welfare, Sugriva can resign Umi and
myself, and Angada, and the kingdom and wealth and corn
and animals. Slaying that worst of Rftkshasas, Sogriva will
bring Raghava with SitS, like unto the moon accompanied
by Rohini. Without slaying hundreds, of thousands of
Kotis, and thirty six Ayutas, thousands, and hundreds of
irrepressible Rftkshasas wearing shapes at will, (Rftma) can
not slay R§vana, by whom Maithili hath been carried away.
They are incapable, O Lakshmana, of being slain (by RSLma)
in battle, unless he is supported (by others). RSLvana is a
wily warrior, and hence is the special need of Sugriva.
That knowing lord of monkeys, V&li, had told me all this.
I do not know how Ravana had secured this host : I say what
I had heard from V&li. For rendering thee assistance, the
foremost monkeys have been despatched in order to summon
to the conflict numerous principal monkeys. Expecting
these powerful and exceedingly strong ones, for attaining
Raghava's end, this lord of monkeys doth not (yet) sally out.
Things, O Saumitri, have beforehand been so satisfactorily
arranged by Sugriva, that this very day the mighty one will
be joined with all those monkeys. This very day billions
of hears and thousands ol golangulas as well as innumerable
Kotis of monkeys flaming in energy shall join thee. There*
fore^ O subduer of enemies, banish thy anger. Seeing this thy
face wrought up with wrath, and thy eyes appearing like red
sores, the wives of the best of monkeys experience no peace,
and they are agitated by the fear that exercised them of late."

KISHKlNDHlKlNDA M 799

8ECTIONrxxxvf .

•:0:0:-

UMBLY addressed in these words informed with moral-
ity^ Sumitr&'s son, resuming his native mildness, accepted
them. On his accepting the speech, the lord of monkeys
like a wet cloth cast off from him the fear he had conceived
on account of Lakshmana. Then Sugriva — lord of monkeys-
tore away the gaudy and variegated garland on his neck-
potent with many a virtue, and became deprived of energy.
And that master of all the monkeys, Sugriva, gladdening
Lakshmana of dreadful prowess, humbly observed unto him,
"Thou son unto SumitrSl, by the favor of Rama have I receiv-
ed back my lost luck, my fame, and this eternal monarchy
of the monkeys. O king's son, who is capable of repaying
•even in part an action like that of the divine (R&ma)
renowned by means of his own acts ? By virtue of native
energy, and merely with my help, the righteous R9ghava
shall recover SitSL and slay RiLvana to boot. What need of
assistance to him who with a single shaft rived seven giant
trees, a mountain, and the Earth. O Lakshmana, what is
the use of help to him the sounds of whose stretching bow
made the Earth tremble with her mountains ? O best of men,
when that foremost of men shall set out for slaying his enemy,
R^vana along with those going before him, I will foHow him. If
through my confidence, or presuming upon our amity,
I have transgressed in any way, (RSLma) ought to excuse his
servant, — for there is no servant that doth not transgress."
When the high-souled Sugriva had said this, Lakshmana
became well pleased, and he spake from love, — "Having, in
especial, thee endeued with humility, my brother, O monarch
of monkeys, is every way strong, O Sugriva. Such
is thy strength, O Sugriva, and such thy self-denial, that thou
art fully worthy to enjoy the good fortune of the king of
monkeys. O Sugriva, by thy help, the puissant R&ma shall

8oo RAajAVaNA.

speedily slay his foe. Of this there is not the least doubt.
O Sugriva, what thou, virtuous, grateful and nftver turning
away from fight, hast said is fit and proper. What knowing
person.excepting, O foremost of monkeys, thyself and my elder
brother, can speak so ? Resembling RSLma himself in strength
and prowess, thou, O chief of monkeys, hast been ordained
his help by the ^ods. But, O hero, do thou speedily go out
with me and soothe thy friend aggrieved for the ravishment
of his wife. And do thou, my friend, forgive what rough
speech, on hearing the utterances of RSma sunk in grief, I
have given thee."

SECTI ON XXXVII.

Xhus addressed by the magnanimous Lakshmana,Sugriva
said unto HanumSin, staying beside him, "Those that dwell
on the summits of Mahendra, Himavat, Vindhya and Kail&^a;
on Mandara,the peaks of P§ndu and the five hills; on mount-
ains wearing the hue of the infant sun, and ever bright ; and
those inhabiting the West, beyond the sea ; on mountains in
the mansions of the ^un, looking like the evening sky ; and
those dreadful foremost of monkeys that inhabit
Padmachala, those monkeys that, resembling colly-
rium-like clouds, and having the strength of the lord of
elephants, dwell in the Anjana hill ; monkeys, possessing the
splendour of gold, inhabiting the caverns of MahS9aila ; those
resorting to the sides of Meru, as well as those dwelling in
the Dhumra mountains ; and those, having the hues of the
infant sun, dwelling in the Mah^runa mountain, drinking the
Maireya wine ; and those dwelling in mighty fair and fragrant
forests and romantic hermitages all round, lying on th^
skirts of woods, — do thou at once bring all these— all th^

KISHKlNDUlKlNDAM: 8oi

foremost monkeys of the world, by means of gifts and con-
ciliation, and through the agency of more than usually fleet
monkeys. I know those monkeys that I have first despatched,
to be gifted with great velocity*, — yet, for urging speed upon
tbem, do thou send other foremost of monkeys. Do thou
directly bring up here those monkey-chiefs that are given
vp to lust or are dilatory. Those wicked ones, that finding
fault with the royal mandate, do not (come in) at my com-
mand within ten days, must be slain. Let those hundreds
and thousands and kotis of leonine monkeys that abide by
my mandate, hie (hence) at my behest. Let (monkeys)
resembling clouds or mountains, cover up the sky ; and let
the foremost monkeys of dreadful forms march hence at my
command. Let all the monkeys on earth, acquainted with
motion, hying themselves and summoning speed at my
command, bring all the monkeys.'' Hearing the words of
the monkey-king, the son of the Wind-god despatched power-
ful monkeys in all directions. Despatched by the king, the
monkeys, ranging the sphere of birds and stars, immediately
went through the welkin. And on oceans and mountains,
in forests and tanks, the monkeys began to send away all the
dpes on behalf of RSma. Hearing the mandate of that king
of kings, Sugriva, resembling the Hour of death, the monkeys,
conceiving fear for Sugriva, set out. And monkeys resembling
collyrium (in hue), numbering three kotis^ endeued with huge
Bright, set out from the Anjana hill for the place where
Rllghava was. And ten kotis having the splendour of molten
gold, inhabiting the mountain where the sun sets, set out
And a thousand kotis^ hued like the lion's mane, came from
the peaks of KailS^a. And of those dwelling in HimSLlaya,
Subsisting on fruits and roots, numbering a thousand and
^tis^ a thousand appeared. And thousands of dreadful
f^onkeys of terrible deeds, hued like charcoal, numbering

* The commentator slips the sense here. According to him, the meaning ii,
^^ASf wtonk^ys wham I kawe first seni, are known to me, — T,

lOI

8o2 RlMlFANA.

kotis^ rushed suddenly from Vindhya. And there exists n
record of the number of those inhabiting the shores of th
ocean of milk, and the dwellers in the TamSila forests, as well s
those subsisting on cocoanuts. And, as if drinking up the sui
the mighty monkey host came from forests and caves an
rivers. And it came to pass that those heroic monkeys th<
had gone away to spur others on, found a mighty tree c
Himavat. On that sacred mount in days of yore there too
place a pleasing Mahe^wara^ sacrifice. There the monkey
found grateful fruits and roots sprung from the streams <
sacrificial oblations, and resembling ambrosia. He tha
partakes of those excellent fruits and roots sprung from th<
sacrificial ingredients, doth not experience hunger for i
month. Those prime monkeys, feeding on fruits, gatherec
those sapid fruits and roots and medicinal herbs. And foi
compassing the good of Sugriva, repairing thither, the
monkeys brought ordorous blossoms from the sacrificial
ground. And all those foremost of monkeys, taking all the
monkeys of the earth, hastily set off in the van of the herds.
And in a short while,those fast-fleeting apes speedily reached
Kishkindha, where the monkey Sugriva was. And taking
the healing herbs and the fruits and roots, the monkeys made
them over to Sugriva, and said, "Having traversed mounuios,
rivers and forests, all the nionkeys of the earth bend their
steps towards thee in obedience to thy command." Hearing
this, Sugriva — lord of monkeys — was well pleased, and with
a glad heart accepted all those presents.

SECTION XXXVIII I.

JlLaving accepted all those presents, (Sugriva), after
soothing the monkeys, dismissed them. Having dismissed

* The celestial borse-sacrifice. — T.

KISHKINDHKkINDAM 8c3

tic thousands of apes, who had performed their task, he
deemed himself as well as the mighty RSighava as having
secured success. Then Lakshmana in sweet words spoke
unto the exceedingly strong chief of monkeys — Sugriva —
gladdening him, "If it please thee, O placid one, I will go
out of Kisbkindh9.'' Hearing Lakshmana's soft speech,
Sugriva, highly delighted, said, ''Be it so. Let us go. I abide
by thy behest." Having said this unto Lakshmana of auspi-
cious marks, Sugriva dismissed the women with TSrSl at their
head. Then Sugriva in a loud voice summoned the foremost
monkeys, saying, ''Come (hither)." Hearing his words, those
monkeys that could present themselves before the females,
did so with joined hands. To them, who had present-
ed themselves, said the king, of splendour resembling
that of the Sun, "Do, ye monkeys, bring hither a car."
Jlearing his words, monkeys uniting vigor with celerity,
brought a car lovely to behold. Seeing the car brought up,
the lord of monkeys said unto Sumitra's son, "O Lakshmana,
ascend speedily." Having said this, Sugriva in company
with Lakshmana swiftly ascended the golden car resembling
the sun, yoked with oumerous steeds. With a pale umbrella
held over his head, and white chowris waving around, with
conchs and trumpets blowing, eulogized by bards, Sugriva
marched out, having obtained supreme regal auspiciousness.
And surrounded by hundreds of high-spirited apes and
armed people, he proceeded whilher R^ma was staying. —
And having arrived at the excellent spot which was the home
of R&ma, that highly energetic one alighted from the car
along with Lakshmana. And having come to RsLma, Sugriva
(stood) folding his hands. And when Sugriva had folded his
hands, the monkeys also did so. And beholding the mighty
host of the monkeys resembling a tank filled witK lotus buds,
Rima was well-pleased with Su|i;riva. And raising up the
monkey-king who had bent his head at RSLma's feet, Raghava
embraced him from love and regard. Having embraced •

8o4 RAM A VAN A.

Sugrivai that righteous one said unto him, ''Be seated/'
And seeing Sugriva seated on the ground, RSlma said, "He,
O best of monkeys, is a king who, O hero, in season follows
righteousness, pleasure and profit, always dividing the same
(among all.) He that, renouncing righteousness and the
good, devotes himself to pleasure solely, is like a man that
falling asleep on the top of a tree, wakes when he hath fallen
down. That king is verily virtuous that, engaged in uproot-
ing foes and advancing friends, attends to all the three ends.
O destroyer of foes, the time is come for exertion : do thou,
O lord of monkeys, bethink thyself along with thy monkey
ministers." Thus addressed, Sugriva said unto Rima, **0
mighty-armed one, my lost luck, and repute, and the entire
monkey kingdom I have received back through thy gift,
owing to thine and thy brother's grace, thou foremost of
victors. He that, having received a good office, doth not
requite it, reapeth obloquy among persons. These hundreds
of prime monkeys, O destroyer of enemies, have come here,
bringing with them all the monkeys of the world. O
R^ghava, bears and monkeys, heroic Golangulas — acquainted
with woods and forests and strongholds, and of terrible
shapes — and monkeys who are the sons of deities, wearing forms
at will — stay on the way, O Raghava, surrounded by their own
armies. And, O hero, O repressor of foes, monkeys surround-
ed by hundreds, and hundred thousands, and kotis, and
ayutas, and sankus^ and arvudas^ and hundreds of arvudas^
and madhyaSi and antyas^ wait (here). And samudras^ and
pardrdhas of monkeys — leaders of herds — inhabiting Meru
and Vindhya, resembling clouds or hills, and in might
resembling the great Indra, are on their way unto thee, O
king. They will join thee for battling the fiend in the field ;
and, slaying RSvana in fight, shall bring Mithila's daughter.^'

♦ A Sanhu is a thousand Arvudas ; a Madkya is an Arvuda ten times ; an
Antya is a Madhya ten times ; a Samudra is a Madhya twenty times ; and a
Vardrdha^ a Samudra thirty times.— T.

' KISHKlNDHlKl ND A M. 805

Thereat the puissant son of the Earth's lord, witnessing the
preparations made by the heroic monkey, remaining under
his command, appeared like a blown blue lotus.

8ECTI ON XXXIX.

A.S Sugriva was speaking thus with joined hands, that
best of the righteous, Rama, embraced him with his arms,
and then replied, "That Indra poureth down showers, is no
wonder, nor that this thousand-rayed Sun dispells darkness
from the sky ; nor yet that, O mild one, the Moon by his rays
causes the clear night. (And in a similar way), friends like
thee bring delight, O subduer of foes. O mild one, that
whatever is graceful, should be harboured in thee is not
atrangc.* I know, O Sugriva, that thou always speakst
what is for my good. Assisted by thee, my friend, I shall
in battle vanquish all my foes. Thou being my friend and
my ally, shouldst assist me. That worst of Rakshasas hath
^rried away Maithiii, to bring down destruction upon himself,
Kven as AnuhllLda ravished Puloma's daughter, Sachi, deceiving
l^ersire. That RSvana I will at no distant date slay with
my sharpened shafts, even as that slayer of enemies, he of an
hundred sacrifices — slew the haughty father of Paulomi."
Presently appeared volumes of dust, and the hot and fierce
ays of the sun were hid in the sky. And darkened by the
;loom, all sides became bewildered. And the entire earth
rith her mountains, forests, and woods, trembled. Tlien the
rhole ground was covered with innumerable monkeys gifted
rith great strength, and having sharp teeth, and refiembling

* The commentator in his usual way of readings between the lines, says
at the sense is • — That thou hast gathered forces for serving thy friend ^ is not
rang€. O placid one f it is well, I give the sense the sloka naturally yields.
T.

8o6 J^ A Ally ANA.

kings of men. Then surrounded by leaders of monkey-herd
and retinues numbering hundreds of iotis, and monkey chier^
from rivers, and mountains, and seas, endowed with prodigious
strength, and other apes inhabiting forestS| having voices
resembling clouds — and monkeys hued like the infant sun,
or white like the moon, or colored like the filaments of the
lotus, or pale, liaving their homes in the Golden mountain-^n
all, numbering ten thousand iofis, — appeared the graceful and
heroic monkey, named Satavali. Then, having the splendour
of the Golden hill, the puissant sire of TSrSi was seen at the
head of many thousand ko/is. Then Um&'s father, that lord,
the father-in-law of Sugriva, arrived, accompanied with other
thousands of iofis (of monkeys), — resembling the filaments
of the lotus, of face like unto the youthful sun, intelligentp
the foremost of monkeys — supreme among them all. And
Hanum«Ln's father, the graceful Ke^arin, appeared in company
with many thousands of monkeys. And Gavftksha-— sovereign
of GoIangulSls — endowed with dreadful might, appeared,
surrounded by thousands of kofis of monkeys. And Dhumn
of bears endowed with terrific speed— destroyer of foes-
appeared, surrounded by two thousand ioiis. And the leader
of herds, named Panama, of exceeding prowess, came, accom-
panied with three iofis, mighty and dreadful. And the leadef
of herds, named Nila, of huge body, resembling a mass of
blue collyrium, appeared with ten Jto/is. Then the exceed*
ingly powerful Gavaya — leader of herds, having the splendour
of the Golden mountain, arrived with five iotis. And that
powerful leader of herds — Darimukha, came, surrounded by
thousands of kofis, and took up his post by Sugriva. And
Mainda and Dwivida — sons of A9wi both^-of mighty strength,
appeared with ko^is upon thousands olkotisol monkeys. And
the powerful and heroic Gaya (came), surrounded by three
kotis. And the king of bears, J&mbavftn by name, (came),
surrounded by ten kotis^ and enlisted himself under the
command of Sugriva. And (the monkey) named Rumana,

KISUKINDHKkXNDAM. 807

possessed of energy, and strong, came swiftly, surrounded by
an hundred kotis of powerful monkeys. Then, followed at his
back by hundreds and thousands of kotis^ came the monkey,
GandbamSldana. Then came the young prince Angada, in
prowess resembling his sire, — accompanied by a thousand
Padmas and an hundred sankhas. Then appeared at a distance,
accompanied by five kotis of monkeys endowed with dreadful
prowess, — ^Tira, having the splendour of a star. And then ap-
peared Indraj^nu, the heroic monkey and leader of herds — lord
of eleven kotis — surrounded by them. Then followed Rambha,
resembling the infant sun,accompanied by an ayuta, a thousand,
*nd an hundred. Then appeared to the view the stout monkey,
named Durmukha, heroic lord of herds, surrounded by two kotis.
And Hanum&n showed himself, surrounded by a thousand
iotis of monkeys, resembling peaks of Kail§9a, of dreadful
^gor. And the exceedingly energetic Nala came, attended
with an hundred kotis^ a thousand, and an hundred monkeys^
living in trees. Then surrounded by ten kotis (of monkeys),
came the shapely Darimukha before the high-souled
Sagriva, from a country bordering on a river. And Sarabha,
Kamuda, Vahni, the monkey Rambha, — and many other
monkeys — lords of herds — passing ennumeration — wearing
shapes at will, came, covering the entire earth with her
mountains and forests. And all the monkeys of the world were
some of them coming and others putting up. And monkeys^
some of them dripping, and some leaping, and some roar-
ing— gathered round Sugriva, like clouds gathering round the
sun. And, crying in various tones, prime monkeys furnish-
ed with arms, with bent heads spoke humbly to that lord of
monkeys — Sugriva. And other foremost of monkeys, gather-
ing together duly, came before Sugriva with joined hands.
Sugriva standing with joined hands, expeditiously informed
R2ma of the arrival of the monkey-leaders in hot haste ; and
then spake (to them), saying, ''O chiefs of monkeys^ stationing
the forces duly near mountain-rills and all the woods, let him

8o8 hXiVlyANA.

that is conversant with the army, ascertain who have com
and who have not."

SECTION XL.

XHEN that lord of monkeys, the successful Sugriva, spake
unto Rama — lion among men and destroyer of hostile hosts-
saying, ^'Those foremost monkeys endeued with strength and
capable of wearing any shape at will, and possessed of the
splendour of the mighty Indra, — that inhabit my ierritories,
have come and stationed themselves. And these monkeys-^
dreadful, and resembling Daityas and DSLnavas — ^are accom-'
panied by powerful monkeys of terrific prowess, who
have displayed their virtue in many a field, — and are of
famed renown in battle and, powerful, and who have
mastered languor and are celebrated in prowess iikI
sterling in their profession. O RSLma, these kotis off
apes that have arrived, inhabiting earth andjj water and
various mountainous tracts, are at thy service. All abide
by thy command — all are intent upon the welfare of their
master, and, O subduer of foes, they are competent to bring
about thy end. And in company with many thousands tod
innumerable ones that have shewn their ability in maoj ft
field, have come monkeys dreadful, and resembling Daitjai
and Danavas. If, O lion among men, thou conceive thai
the time is ripe, tell it (unto me). It behoves thee to com^
mand those forces, remaining under thy sway. Although I
am full well acquainted with the work in which they aire to
be employed, yet thou ought to order them as to what (hcj
are to accomplish.'' When Sugriva had spoken tholb
Da^aratha's sou, RSLma, embracing him with his annS| saidf
<<0 placid one, do thou learn whether Videha's daughter ii
alive or not ; as well as ascertain the country, wherej O tboi

KISHKINDHlKlNDA M, 809

endowed with eminent wisdom, liveth Ravana. Having come
at Vaidehi and RSLvana's abode^ shall I then appoint the time
along with thee. O lord of monkeys, I am not the master in
this matter, nor Lakshmana : thou art the cause of this under-
taking, as well as, O monarch of monkeys, the lord. Do
thou therefore, O lord, command these as to what is to be
done by them in my behalf. O hero, thou certainly knowest
my business. My second friend (Lakshmana being first),
thou art potent, wise, conversant with seasonableness, cogni-
lantof profit, and engaged in our welfare.*' Thus addressed^,
Su^riva in presence of Rama and the intelligent Lakshmana,
aaid unto a leader of herds and lord of apes, named Vinata,
having the splendour of a hill, blazing and emitting sounds
as those of clouds, *'0 foremost of monkeys, accompanied
with apes resembling the sun and the moon, thou cognizant
of time, place and morals, and sagacious in deciding course
o( action, — surrounded by hundreds and thousands of active
apes, march towards the Eastern quarter, furnished with
Woods, forests and hills. There, in mountain fastnesses, and
forests and rivers, do thou search Videha's daughter, SitS, as
Well as the abode of Ravana. And while on the search
around for Raima's beloved wife, Sita, daughter-in-law unto
[ Da9aratha, thou shouldst search the beautiful Bh^girathi, and
the Sarayu, and the Kau9iki ; the Kalindi, and the charming
YamunS, and the mighty hill bordering thereon ; and the
Saraswati, and the Sindhu, and the Sona with water resem-
bling ruby ; and the Mahi and K^lamahi, garnished with
woods and hills, — the large tracts — Brahmamalas, Videhas,
and M3Llavans, and KSi^ikosalas, and Magadhas, and Pundras,
<ind Angas ; and grounds native to silkworms, and contain-
ing mines of silver ; and mountains and cities embosmed in
the sea. Do thou also search through the houses in Mandara,
'*<— belonging to people having ears resembling cloths, reach-
ing their nether lips, and mouths resembling iron, — one-
footed and fleet withal ; and whose descendants never

8io RAM ly AN A.

deteriorate ; — and to anthropophagi ; and hunters dwell! nj^
on islands; having sharp hair, gold-hued, pleasing, and subsist
ing on raw fish ; and to creatures — tiger-man forms — terrible
to behold ; and, ye dwellers of woods, do ye carefully search
those places that are accessible by crags and bounds, — and
the island of Yava, adorned by seven several kingdoms, and
the island of Suvarna, and Rupayaka, — thronged by gold
miners. And, going beyond the island of Yava, (one comes
upon) the hill called Sisira, which pierceth the heavens by
its peaks, and is inhabited by gods and demons. In all these
mountain fastnesses, cascades and woods, do ye together
search for the renowned wife of RSLma. Then, arriving at the
rapid red waters going under the name of Sona,and repairiog
to the other shore of the ocean, the abode of Siddhas and
Ch^ranas, do ye search all round for RSLvana in company
with Sit§ in the sweet sacred spots and picturesque woods.
And ye should explore forests, mountain-sprung streams, wild
tracts subject to storms, and mountains containing ceveros.
Then it behoves you to examine horrible ocean islandSi
heaving with waves, terrific, resounding, — of haughty beariog
in consequence of winds. There, huge-bodied Asuras, hun-
gering for a long period, permitted by Brahm9, capture
creatures, resorting to shades. And adroitly arriving at that
great sea, like unto clouds at the universal dissolution, inhabi'
ted by mighty snakes, sending loud sounds, — and there, afle^
passing the terrific sea of red waters called Yellow, ye wiU
behold a mighty knarled Silmali. There, built by Vifwa-'
karman, peak-like, gigantic, resembling KailSL9a, (towereth) th^
mansion of Vinat^'s offspring, named Mandeha. There, grins
Rakshasas named Mandehas, resembling hills, of diverse
shapes, capable of inspiring fear, hang head foremost on tlitf
rocks. Day after day at sunrise, these R&kshasas heated (b^
solar rays) and struck dead by Brahma energy,* again WoA
again (hang on the crags). Then wilt thou, O thou that irt

* The corementator explains : energy darted from the tkret vrdtnj^T*

kishkindhIkXnda M. 8 1 1

bard to repress, proceeding, view the sea named Kshiroda,
baving the hue of pale clouds, and looking like a necklace,
!»ecaose of the ripples (on its surface). In it there are the
nighty white mountain going by the name of Rishada,
)ovcred with trees bearing oderous blossoms ; as well as
he tank known under the name of Sudar^ana, swarming with
wans and shining silver lotuses having golden filaments.
)esirous of sport, resort to this tank delighted troops of.
/ivudhas and Ch&ranas, Yakshas, Kinnaras and Apsaras.
..eaving behind Kshiroda, ye monkeys, ye will soon
tfter behold the Jalada sea, striking terror into all beings.
rhcre presideth that mighty ire-born Energy of hiiii,"*^
embodied in) the mouth of a mule. This wondrous (universe)
xmtatning mobile and immobile things and fraught with
jrcat impetus, is the aliment of this Energy. There are
leard the cries of feeble creatures inhabiting the sea, who
>egan to wail on witnessing the mouth of the mule. On the
^OT\\i of the Svvadu sea, lie thirteen yojanas (of land), named
I&tarupa9ila,t exceeding spacious, and of the splendour of
{old. There, ye monkeys, ye will behold that serpent, the
tjolder of Earth — resembling the moon, and with expansive
^yes like lotus-petals — seated at the summit of the mount, —
^l»at one worshipped of all deities, having a thousand heads, —
the god Ananta, clad in blue apparel. And by the dais
Inhere) at the top of the mount is the golden palm, planted
'y that high souled one, — which is like a banner. The chief
>f the celestials reared it in the Eastern region. After that
5 the fair Rising mountain. Its golden peak measuring a
hundred /^'^«flf J, reaching unto the heavens, rises nobly, with
fountains at its base ; and looks beautiful with Salas, palms,
'^mSlas, and flowering Karnikaras, — golden, splendid and
^sembling the sun. There, J spreading a yojana around,

* Sage Aurvi. — ^T. t Lit. of gold and stone. — T,

t The commentator says that this locative refers to the summit c ithe Ris-
S hill.— T.

Si 2 rAmAyana.

towering up ten, is the peak named Saumanasa — all certainly
of gold. There, formerly on the occasion of invading the
earth with three paces, that foremost of persons, Vishnu,
planting his first foot, planted the other on the summit of
Meru. The sun, having passed by Jamvudwipa on the
north, and, arriving at that mighty and eminent summit,
(Saumanasa), again becometh visible to the dwellers of
Jamvudwipa. There are seen those Valakhilya Maharshis,
named Vaikhanasas, — wearing the hue of the sun, leading an
ascetic mode of life. This is the island of Sudar9ana, before
which all creatures inspire energy and have their sight
granted to them. You should search for Ravana with Vaidehi
all round the top of that mountain as well as in its forests and
woods. (Here) the first twilight enfolded in the glory of the
||;olden hill and that of thehigh-souled Sun, appeareth roseate.
As this is the first gateway of both Earth and Heaven, and as
the sun first rises in this quarter, this is called the E^st. Ye
should search the breast of its mountain, and fountains, and
caves for Ravana in company with Vaidehi. Beyond that, is
the exceedingly impassable Eastern quarter, thronged by
the celestials, — covered with darkness and devoid of the
sun and the moon. Do ye search for Janaki in all those
rocks, woods and streams as well as in such spots as
I have not mentioned. Ye foremost of monkeys, the
monkeys are competent to proceed thus far. Beyond
this, of the tract without sun and without limit, I know
nothing. Meeting with Vaidehi and (arriving at) Ravana's
mansion, do ye, having reached the Rising hill, turn
back, when it shall be a full month. Do not stay longer than
a month. If ye do, ye shall be slain by me. Having attained
your end, do ye turn back, having met with Maitlnli. Having
adroitly explored (the tract) loved of Mahendra, plated with
woods, do ye, ye monkeys, having come at SitS— the beloved
wife of that descendant of Raghu — desist, attaining happiness.'^

KISHKIiWDHAkANDA M, b 1 3

SECTION XLI

.:00:-

HEN having sent away that mighty host of monkeys,
Sugriva despatched to the South others competent to perform
tlie several tasks entrusted to them. And appointing the exceed-
ingly mighty An^ada as the leader of those heroic monkoys,
:diat hero, the lord of monkey bands, conversant with the
.countries intended to be explored, despatched heroes endovv-
jcdwith speed and prowess, headed by Angrada, Nila the son
|( Fire, and the monkey Hanuman, and the exceedingly
iKrgetic Jambavan, son unto the Great-fatlior, and Suhotra,
uA Sartri, and Saragulma, Gay a, Gavakshya, and Gavaya,
Soshena, Vrishabha, Mainda, Dvvivida, and Gandhamadana,
vd Ulkftmukha and Anani^a — sons of Kire both. And the
fcid of monkeys began to describe unto the monkey-chiefs
Ihose tracts in those directions, that were difficult of access.
■Yc will behold Vindhya having an hundred summits, and
farioshed with various trees and shrubs, and tlie romantic
liter Narmad§, frequented by mighty serpents ; and the
Godivari,* and that mighty river, the captivating Krishiiaveni,
lid the Mekhalas and Ulkalas, and the cities of Da^arna ;
lid Avravanti and Avanti, and the Vidarbhas and Nishtikas
Hd the charming Mahishakas.f And ye will see also the
|Iitsyas and Kalingasand Kau9ikas all round, and the forest
l( Dandaka, with mountains, rivers and caverns ; and the river
Codftvarift and the Andhras, and Paundras, the Cholas, the
Paodyas, and the Keralas. Tl)en shall ye repair to the
ntain Ayomukha,§ plated with ore, having taking sum-

• The commentator says, "The GodAvari flowing through the countries to

of the Vindya mountains." — T.
t Some texts read — Rishtikas instead. — T.

I The tract, according to RAmAnnja, watered by the God/lvari in the vici-
rilffoCDandaka— T.

$ Aoother n?mc of this hill is Malava. — T.

8i4 KAmAI'ANA.

mits, gracefuli furnished with picturesque flowering woods, —
the mighty mountain having groves of excellent sandal. At
the foot of the Malaya mountain eudeued with exceeding
energy, ye will behold the noble stream K&veri, of pleasant
waters, where sport troops of Apsar&s. /There) yo will see
that foremost of saints, Agastya, resembling the sun. Per-
mitted by that gratified high-souled one, ye will cross over
the great river, T&mraparni, abounding in alligators. Like a
youthful female in relation to her lover, she (T&mraparni),
with both her waters as well as islets concealed under beauti-
ful sandal woods, bathes in the sea. Proceeding (therefrom),
the monkeys shall see the grand golden gates belonging to
the walls of the capital of the PSLndyas. Then arriving at the
main, ye shall ascertain your ability or otherwise oi crossing
the same. In the bosom of the deep there, Agastya hath
placed that foremost of mountains — the charming Mahendra,
having picturesque plateaus ; golden, and beautiful, — with a
portion of it sunk in the great ocean. For aye, He of
a thousand eyes at Parvus visiteth this mountain embellished
by various blossoming trees and creepers ; beauteous with
divinities, and saints, and the foremost Yakshas and Apsar&s;
thronged by numbers of Siddhas and Charanas ; and of sur-
passing loveliness. On its other shore is an island extending
over an hundred yojanas, inaccessible to men,"^ and of splendid
aspect. Do ye explore it all round. There, in particular, ye
must every way search for SitS. That country belongs to
the impious Ravana, worthy of being slain — the lord of
RSLkshasas, like unto the thousand-eyed (deity) in splendour.
In the midst of the Southern sea belonging to him (R&vana),
there is a Rakshasi, named AngS, who procureth her pray
by casting her shadow. Having (by your search) satisfied
yourselves as to those countries where ye might suspect Sitft
to be, do ye, your doubts dispelled, proceeding beyond that,
(Lankan search for the spouse of that monarch endeued with

* "Because/' says the commentator, "of the profusion of £old in it.**'^T,

KISHKINDHIkXnDAM. 815

unbounded energy. In the sea extending over an hundred
yojanaSy a lovely hill, named Pushpitaka, the abode of Siddhas
and Ch&ranas ; resembling the rays of the sun or the moon, —
resting on the waters of the ocean, looks splendid, piercing
the heavens with its giant peaks. Of this (mountain), there
is a particular golden summit, which the sun approaches. It
is incapable of being beheld by the ungrateful or the atheisti-
cal. Bowing your heads down unto this hill, let the monkeys
search on. Leaving behind that irrepressible one, (ye will
come upon) a mountain difficult of approach, extending over
fourteen yojanas^ named Suryyavin. Passing by that also, (ye
will see) a mountain, named Vidyut, filled with trees, beauti-
ful at all seasons, and bearing all desirable fruits. There^
feeding upon excellent and costly fruits and roots, and
drinking delicious honey, let the monkeys pass beyond it.
There is the hill named Kunjara, grateful both to the eye and
the mind, — where Vi9wakarma had built the abode of
Agastya.* There (rises) that stately golden pile, adorned
with various gems, extending over one yojana^ and ten in
height. In itf also there is that palace, which is the abode of
snakes; having spacious ways, incapable of being captured,
guarded around, and protected by dreadful snakes and sharp-
toothed serpents of virulent poison ; where dwelleth VSsuki,
the exceedingly terrible king of snakes. Proceeding heed-
fully, ye must explore that Bhogavati palace ; as also whatever
concealed places may lie there. Going beyond that place,
(ye will see) the mighty mountain named Rhrishava, in the
form of a bull, full of all gems, and possessed of grace,—
where are produced excellent Gogirshaka, Padmaka, and
Haricy&ma sandals, and which in effulgence resembles fire.
Butj seeing that sandal, ye must by no means ask any
questions : certain Gandharbas, named Rohitas, are on guard
over that wood — the lords of Gandharbas, in splendour like

• t. §. in thai hill,
t f. e. in that hill.

8i6 RAMXFANA. '

unto five suns, — Cailusha, Gr^mani, Cikslia, Cuka, and Babhru.
After that, (Rhishava), at the extremity of the Elartli is the
abode of persons of pious acts, whose bodies are composed of
the Sun, I he Moon and Fire. And there reside persons who
have won the heavenly regions. After that are the awful
regions of the ancestral manes, which ye must not ap-
proach. This is the metropolis of Yama, covered by deep
gloom. Ye heroic monkey chiefs, ye can seek thus far.
Further there is no course for those endeued with
motion. Having examined all these, as well others that may
come within your ken, it behoves you, after having ascertained
Vaidehi's course, to return ihiiher). He that, returning with-
in a month, shall say, — ''I have seen SitS/ shall pass his days
in happiness, enjoying affluence like mine own and indulg-
ing all pleasures. He shall be dearer unto me than life xXstWx
and none dearer (unto me) than he ; and although he might
commit innumerable wrongs, still should he become my friend.
Possessed of immeasurable strength and prowess, and spnini^
from lines crowned with sterling virtues, do ye strive manfully
in such a glorious way that the king's daughter may be
recovered.**

SECTION XLII.

■:0:0:-

JlLaving dcspatrhed those monkeys in a southern direc-
tion, Sucxriva spoke unlo the monkey named Sushena,
rescmblini:^ a mass of clouds. Approaching his father-in-law,
Tara's fatiicr, possessed of dreadful prowess, the king, bowing
and willi j.incd hands, spukc unto him. And Sugrift
commanded tiie Maharshi's son, MSricha, and the mighty ape,
Archishmat, surronndcd hy the heroic foremost of monkeys,—
pnsscssinir llic spicndonr 'if Mahendra. |L(ifled with senM

KISHKINDHlKlNDA M. 817

ind vigor ; and resembling the offspring himself of VinatSL in
brightness ; and Marichi's son, — the MSrichas — the mighty
Archirm&lyas, — ^all these sons of the saint* — (to march) towards
the West, saying, — "Ye monkey-chiefs, let twice hundred
thousand monkeys led by Sushena (set out) to search Vaidehi.
Yc foremost of monkeys, do ye explore the Saurishtras, the
Bfthlikas, the Chandrachitras, and (other) populous and fair
provinces and spacious cities, and Kukshi, dense with
PunndgaSjt and filled with Vakulas and Udddlakas ; as well
is the tracts covered with Ketaka trees ; and auspicious
streams bearing their cool waters westward ; and the forests
of ascetics; and mountains embosoming woods. There having
explored tracts resembling deserts, and cold cliffs towering
high, and the West,covered with mountain ranges,aad extreme-
ly difficult of access,— and proceeding at a little more to the
west, it behoves you to have a view of the sea. And
proceeding on, ye monkeys, ye shall see (the ocean), whose
waters abound in whales and alligators, ye monkeys.} Then
the apes shall sport in tracts covered by Ketakas^ and dense
with Tomdlas and woods of cocoanuts. There shall ye
look for SitSL and the mansion of RSvana, in hills and
woods on the shores of the sea ; and (explore) Murachipattana,
and the delightful Jatapura, and Avanti, and Angalapa, as
well as in the wood (called) Alakshita, and spacious
monarchies, and emporiums. There is a mighty mountain
where the Sindhu falls into the sea, Somagiri by name ;
having an hundred summits and tall trees. In its plateaus
there are certain birds (called) Sinhas. These lift up to their
nests whales and elephants. The proud elephants carried to
the nests and remaining on the summits of the mountain,

• Marichi.— T.

f Rotil€ria Tinctoria. — T,

I The grammar of these shkas is exceedingly vicious ; and it has cost the
Translator no small amount of labor to assign the necessary logical nexus in
a good many places. — ^T.

103

8i8 RkAllYANA.

possessing the roar of clouds^having been gratified (with food),
range around this extensive table-land filled with water.
The monkeys, capable of wearing shapes at will, should
swiftly search its golden summit towering to the sky and
filled with graceful trees. Proceeding further, the monkeys
shall behold the golden summit of P2Lriy2Ltra rising from the
sea and extending over 2ir\ hMndttA yoyanas. There dwell
all around in a body four and twenty kotis of ascetic
Gandharbas, resembling fire, dreadful, practicising impiety,
and like unto flames of fire. The monkeys of dreadful prowess
should not present themselves before those, nor should tbey
take any fruits from that country. Those heroes are bard
to approach ; and they are truthful and possessed of great
might. And there they of dreadful prowess stow away their
fruits and roots. There ye should heedfully search for J&naki.
Ye have no fear whatever from them ; do ye only follow your
native nature as monkeys. There, in hue like lapises, abound-
ing in various kinds of trees and plants, is a mighty hill of
an adamantine basis, called Vajra ; beautiful, famous, and
measuring an hundred yoyanas in height and area. There let
the monkeys carefully explore the caves. On the fourth side
of the Ocean is a mountain named Chakrav&n. There
VigwakarmS forged the discus (called) Sahasrdra. Tbeic,
slaying Panchajana and the D&nava, Hayagriva,*^ the Best of
male beings obtained the discus as well as the conch. li
those beautiful plateaus and huge caves, ye should every*
where search for RSlvana with Videha's daughter. Sunk it
the depths of the sea, is a very great mountain named Varih^
having golden peaks and measuring four and sixty ^^aiiif^
In it is a city named PrSgjyotisha, all of gold. There dwdb
the wicked Dinava named Naraka.t There do yc cvcff-j
where search for Rivana along with Vaidehi in the beautiUj
plateaus and huge caves. Passing beyond that foremost o(

• Lit. horse-necked, — T,

t i.e. in the Vardha hiU.^'T.

' KISHKINDHXkINDAM. 819

mountainSi whose sight betrays the secret of its bowels being
freighted with gold, (ye shall come upon) the mountain
Sarvasauvarna, furnished with fountains and cascades. Com-
ing to it, elephants, and boars, and lions, and tigers, on all
sides roar ceaselessly, wrought up by the echoes their own
cries have produced. This is the mountain named Megha,
where the graceful green-horsed vanquisher of Pika, Mahen-
dra, was installed king by the gods. Having passed by that
mountain protected by Mahendra, ye shall repair to sixty
thousand hills of gold ; in hue like the infant sun, and blazing
on all sides and embellished by blossoming golden trees. In
the midst of them is established as king, Meru, best of
mountains. Formerly the Sun being well pleased, conferred
a boon on this mountain, and he addressed the mountain,
saying, — 'By my grace all the hills that are under thy
protection, shall be golden day and night ; and also
those gods Gandharbas and D^navas that shall dwell in
thee, shall be filled with reverence for me and to the boot
attain a golden glory.' Coming to the excellent mountain
Meru, Vi9wadcvas, the Vasus, the Maruts and the celestials,
adore the Sun in the western twilight. Adored by them, the
Sun, becoming invisible, repaireth to the Setting hill.* In
half a muhurtay the Sun swiftly passes over this (mountain),
measuring, as it does, ten ihoM^dmi yoyanas. On its peak rises
an edifice ; resembling the sun (in splendour) ; consisting of
palatial mansions built by VigwakarmSl ; and graced by goodly
trees rife with various birds, — the residence of the high-
souled Varuna, bearing the noose in his hand. Between Meru
and the Setting hill, towers a tall palm having ten heads.
Golden and graceful, it shineth on a variegated dais. In all
thesCi difficult of access, as also in rivers and tanks, ye should
thoroughly search for Ravana along with Vaidehi. There
dwells there the righteous and famous MerusSlvarni, sanctified

* The commentator remarks : "Although not expressly stated, it is implied
that the islands to the west of it are also to be searched/' — T.

820 RiJljAyANA,

by virtue of his own asceticism, and like unto BrahmSL himself.*
Bowing down your heads to the earth, ye should ask the
Maharshi Merusavarni, resembling the sun, touching MithiU's
daughter. On the departure of night, the sun dispells the
darkness of the world to this extent, and then enters the Set-
ting hill. Ye foremost of monkeys, the monkeys are able to
proceed thus far. Beyond this, of what is sunless and bound-
less 1 know nothing. Having come to Vaidehi and RSvana's
mansions, and arrived at the Setting-hill, do ye return on the
month being complete. Ye must not stay above a month ; and
if ye do, ye must be slain by me. And along with you gocth
that hero, my father-in-law. Ye, abiding by his orders,
should listen to all that he sayeth. My mighty-armed father-
in-law. gifted with great strength, is my spiritual preceptor.
All of you possessed of prowess, yourselves certainly consti-
tute the measure whereby to ascertain the wisdom or
otherwise of a course. Making this one also into a measure,
survey the w^estern quarter. Having requited the good that
hath been done to us, we shall attain our end. De ye also
determine what else is agreeable (unto RSLma), and io
consonance with place, season and profit, should be performed
by you in the matter of this business." Then those monkeys—
the monkey chiefs headed by Sushena, having heard Sugriva's
deft speech, set out for the quarter protected by Varuna.

SECTION XLMI.

Jt\ AVING directed his father-in-law to proceed to the
West, that best of monkeys, the all-knowing king Sugriva,
lord of apes, then spake unto the heroic monkey, named
Satavala, words fraught with good unto himself as well as

* Like unto PrajApatt dwelling by MahAmern. — T.

KISHKINDHlKlNDAM. 82 1

unto Rama, — '^Surrounded by hundreds and thousands of
rangers of the forest like thyself, in company with the
offspring of Yama as well as the counsellors in a body, do
thou, O thou possessed of prowess, entering the northern
quarter furnished with the Hima 9aila, search every-
where for the illustrious spouse of RSlma. — Having performed
this task satisfactorily, and brought about what is dear unto
Dagaratha's son, we shall, O best of those that achieve suc-
cess, be freed from our debts. The high-souled RSghava hath
done us good. If we can serve him in turn, our life shall be
crowned with success. Even the life of him that accomplishes
the work of one to whom the former is not obliged, is
successful, — what then is to be said in respect of him that hath
served one formerly ? Pondering this, those that are engaged
in our welfare, should so act that Janaki may be discovered.
And this formemost of men is worthy of being honored by
all creatures ; and Rama — captor of hostile capitals — hath
also found delight in us. Endowed with sense and prowess,
do ye explore these many inaccessible places, rivers and
mountains. Having searched there Mlechahhas, Pulindas,
Surasenas, Prasthalas, Bharatas, Kurus, and Madrakas, and
Varadas, as well as the cities of KSLmbojas, Yavanas and
Sakas, do ye explore HimavSln. And in tracts of Lodhras and
Padmakas, and in DevadSLru woods'^ do ye search thoroughly
for Ravana along with Videha's daughter. Then, coming
upon the hermitage of Soma, frequented by gods and Gan-
dharbas, do ye repair to the mountain called Klla possessing
spacious plateaus. In those mighty mountains, as also in
others and in their caves, do ye search for that exalted lady,
the blameless wife of Rama. Having passed beyond that
mighty mountain containing gold in its womb, it behoves
you to go to the mountain called Sudar9ana. Then (lies)
the mountain called Devasakh§, the home of feathered tribes;
abounding in various fowls,and embellished with diverse trees.

^ Belonging, according to the commentator, to Himavdn.— T.

822 RImXVANA,

In its golden tracts, fountains and caves, do ye search for
R§vana along with Videha's daughter. Going beyond it,
(ye come upon) a vacant land, measuring an hundred YoyaiM^
without mountains, or rivers, or trees ; and void of all living
beings. Speedily passing that desert land capable of making
one's hair stand on end, ye shall feel delighted, on coming
to the pale KailSL^a. There (ye will behold) the charming
mansion of Kuvcra,resembling pale clouds, of burnished gold,
built by Vi9wakarma ; where (lies) the spacious tank over-
flowing with lotuses and lilies, thronged with swans and
Karandavas, and frequented by troops of Apsarfts. There
king Vaigravana, the lord of Yakshas, bowed down unto bj
all creatures, — the graceful giver of riches — sporteth along
with the Guhyakas. In the ofFshoots belonging to Kaill^a
resembling the moon,as also in their caverns,do ye thoroughly
search for RSLvana in company with Vaidehi. And coming to
the Krauncha mountain,ye shou1d,having your wits about yon,
enter its inaccessible cavern ; for that is well known as diffi*
cult of entrance. There dwell certain Maharshis, high-soojed,
of effulgence resembling that of the sun— complete god-like
shapes, — who are sought by the deities themselves. And jre
should thoroughly explore the other caves of Krauncha, i^s
plateaus and peaks ; its passes and sides. (Then is) the tree-
less M&nasa — abode of birds — the scene of Kftma's austeriUes.
Way there is none for creatures, or for gods, or for R&kshasas.
That also must be explored by you, — that mountain witb
plains and plateaus. Going beyond Krauncha, (ye shall see)
the mountain, named Mainaka. There is the residence of the
Danava, Maya, reared by himself. Main&ka also with its
plains, plateaus and woods must be searched by you. There
are all over, the homes of females with faces resembling those
of horses. Going beyond that part, (ye shall come to) the
asylum inhabited by Siddhas ; where are ascetics — ^V&lakhilyas,
Siddhas and VaikhSLnasas. Saluting those Siddhas, who have
been cleansed of their sins on account of their asceticismj ye

KISHKINDHIKANDA M. 8i3

lioold in bumble guise ask them concerning SilSl. There is
he Vaikb&nasa tank filled with golden lotuses ; and ranged
rf graceful cranes of the hue of the infant sun. Kuvera's
rehicle, the elephant known (by the name of) SSrvabhauma,
ever rangeth that country in company with she-elephants.
Going beyond that expanse of water, (ye come upon) a sky
void of stai%^ and where the sun and the moon have been put
out ; and that land is visible by the rays, as if of the sun,
proceeding from (the persons of) self-luminous, god-like ones,
who are reposing there, after achieving^ success m austerities.
Leaving behind that region, (you come to) a stream named
S^odft. On its both banks are bamboos named Kichaka.
These take the Siddhas to the other shore and bring them
back again. There (are seen) the northern Kurus, the abode
of those that have acquired religious merit. And there are
tanks there with their waters crowned with golden lotuses.
There are rivers by thousands with copious blue lapis leaves.
And the pools here,resembling the tender sun, are embellished
with assemblages of golden red lotuses. And that tract is every
irhere filled with costly gems, and jewels, and woods of blue
lotuses, having filaments splendid like gold ; and with round
pearls and costly jewels. And the rivers there have islets
covered with gold ; and are crowded with lovely hills of gold,
bright as fire,furnished with all kinds of precious stones. And
the trees there, thronged with birds, bear flowers and fruits
laily ; and, charged with savoury juices, publishing superb
perfumes, and of delicious feel, they confer every wish. Other
excellent trees bring forth attires of divers kinds, and orna-
nents decked with pearls and lapises,— coveted alike by males
ind females*. And other excellent trees bear fruits fit to be
partaken at all seasons. And other excellent trees bring forth
>recious beds dight with costly jewels and furnished with

* The present text, according to Kataka, drops a sloka, whose last line is,
Beings possessed of powerful effulgence, sport here always in company with
smales."— T.

824 RlMlTANA.

variegated covers. And other trees bring forth charming
wreaths, and costly drinks, and various kinds of viands. And
females adorned with every accomplishment, and endowed
with youth and beauty, and Gandharbas and Kinnaras, and
Siddhas and NSgas and Vidy&dharas, of blazing splendour,
ceaselessly sport there in company with females. And all of
righteous deeds, and all engaged in amorous disports, and all
furnished with desire and profit, — dwell in that place in asso*
ciation with their females. And there are continually heard
there the sounds of instruments and the voice of song mixed
with sweet hilarous laughter, capable of taking all creatures.
No one is depressed there ; nor doth any one there want any
desirable object ; and day after day the delightful qualities find
their developement there. Passing beyond that is the Northrro
ocean. In the bosom (of the deep) is the mountain named
Somagiri, golden and of great dimensions. Albeit without the
sun, yet through the brightness of the Soma mountain, the
land shines forth with all the loveliness and reality of one
warmed by the sun. There that Soul of the Universe, the
adorable Sambhu, fraught with the spirits of the elevea
Rudras — that lord of the gods — BrahmSL — dwelleth,surrounded
by the Brahmarshis. Ye cannot proceed to the north of the
Kurus ; nor is there way in that region for any other crea-
tures. And that mountain is named Soma,incapable of being
entered even by the gods. Sighting this, you should speedily
turn back. Ye foremost of monkeys, the monkeys are com-
petent to proceed thus far. Beyond that, of regions sunless
and limitless I know nothing. Ye should search all these
which I have described ^unto you) ; and ye should also turn
your attention to others besides, which I have omitted to
mention. Ye that are comparable unto the wind or fire, by
accomplishing the work of beholding Videha's daughter, ye
will do what is held as exceedingly dear unto Da9aratha's
son as well as highly grateful to me. Then, having achieved
success, do yci along with your friends, honored by mCi and

KISHKINDHXkXNDA M, 825

»-owned with every virtue, ye monkeys, with your enemies
ilaiD, range the earth in company with your wives, — the sup-
port of all beings."

SECTION XLIV.

JoUGRIVA had declared liis conviction that lie relied parti-
cularly upon Hanuman. And convinced as to the ability
of that best of monkeys to accomplish the work, Sugriva,
that lord of all the dwellers of the woods, well pleased, spoke
unto HanumSn, son unto the wind-god, saying, — ** O
Foremost of monkeys, neither on the earth, nor in the sky,^
nor in the etherial regions,t nor yet in w.iter, find I an)^
obstacle to thy course. The entire worlds witlf. Asutas, and
Gaudharbas^ and Nagas, and men, and gods, wHh o'cdansf,
and the earth and the regions beneath — are well known lintti
thee. And thy motion, vehemence, energy and fleetnessj
are, O hero, O mighty ape, even like those of thy sire, the
powerful wind-god ; and there exists no creature on earth
that is like unto thee in energy. Therefore do thou bethink
thee how Siti may be recovered. Even in thee, O thou
versed in policy, are strength, and wit, and courage, and
policy, and conduct in consonance with season and place."
Thereat, understanding that success in the task depended
upon Hanumin, and also knowing what Hanuman was,
R2Lghava reflected, — **This lord of monkeys is every way
:onfident concerning Hanuman ; and Hanuman himself is
:ven more confident of achieving succes in the work. He
Jiat hath been tested by his deed, and who hath been consi-
lered worthiest by his master, having been commissioned
n thi^ business, — success in the work is certain." Then

♦ Aniariksha — regions above the earth in which the birds fly. — T.
t ^iwrara— Upper air.

104

|26 ItlMAKANA.

beholding that mo ikey who was the fittest for the task, that
exceedingly energetic one, (Rama), with his mind and senses
exhilarated, considering himself as already crow^ned with
success, felt the excess of joy. And well pleased, that
subduer of enemies handed to Hanuman a ring inscribed
with his name, as a sign unto Ihe king's daughter. "By this
sign, O foremost of monkeys, Janaka's daughter will be able
to see thee fearlessly, as one that hath come from me. Thy
firmness, O hero, and sterling prowess, as well as Sugriva's
saying, tell me greatly of success." Thereupon, taking that
(rinj;), and raising his joined palms to his head, thai foremost
and best of monkeys, saluting (RSLma's) feet, went away.
Then taking with him that mighty host of monkeys, that
hero, the son of the wind, resembled the moon of bright
disc in the sky, garnished by the stars, after the clouds have
departed. **0 thou of excessive strength ! I take refuge
in thy might. O thou endowed with the prowess of the
foremost of lions ! do thou, O son of the Wind, O Hanumin,
exert thyself so, summoning the great strength thou art
master of, that we may obtain Janaka's daughter."*

SECTION XLV.

SUMMONING all the monkoys, that foremost of monkeys,
king Sugriva, spake unto them all touching the success of
Rama's work. "The monkey-chiefs, knowing the stern
command of their lord, should search in all these places."
Then, covering up the earth like locusts, they marched away.
Expecting tidings of Sil5, RSma remained that month in
the vicinity of that cascade, in company with Lakshmana.
And that heroic monkey Satavali swiftly set out for the

* The commentator says that this speech is equally attributable to Rluu
and Sugriva. But I think, it would fit Rama's lips to a nicety— T.

KISHKINDHIkANDaM, I27

northern regions covered by the monarch of mountains.

And that leader of monkey herds, Vinata, proceeded towards

the eastern quarter. And that monkey, HanumiLn — leader

of monkey-herds — in company with TSra, Angada and

Others, went to the South, inhabited by Agastya. And that

fcwrd of monkeys, Sushena, lion among monkeys, went to the

terrible western quarter, protected by Varuna. Then, having

properly despatched (his forces) in all directions, that general

of the monkey hosts, being pleased, gave himself up to sport.

Thus despatched by the king, the monkey-chiefs proceeded

apace respectively towards their destined quarters. And

the monkeys possessed of great strength cried and howled

and roared and shouted and rushed and sent up loud ululations.

TI1US despatched by the king, the leaders of monkey-herds,

said, "We f hall bring back SitSL, and slay Ravana. I alone

shall slay R&vana engaged in conflict. And slaying (him),

I shall this very day swiftly carry off Janaka's daughter,

trembling because of fatigue, (saying unto her), *Rest thou.'

I single-handed shall recover Janaki even from the nether

regions. I shall uproot trees and rive mountains. I shall

cleave the earth and vex the deep." (And some said), "I can,

without doubt, clear a Yojana at one bound ;" and another

said, '*! can clear an hundred ;" and a yet another, "I can

more than an hundred. And neither on earth, nor in sea,

mountains, woods, nor nether regions, can my course be

obstructed.'' Thus did the apes proud of their strength,

severally speak in presence of the sovereign of the monkeys.

SECTION XLVI.

.:oo:-

\JH the monkey-chiefs having departed, Rama said unto
Sugriva, — '*How is it that thou knowest all the quarters of
Ibis earth?" Thereupon, the self-controlled Sugriva, bowing

8j8 RAMAi'AIVA.

low, said unto Rama, — ''Do thou listen to my words. I slialF
relate everything. When Vali pursued the Danava Dunduvi,
wearing the form of a buftalo, towards the Malaya mountain ^
Mahisha entered a cave of that mountain. And VSli also,desir —
ous of sla)ing the Asura, entered Malaya. And I was made
to stand at the mouth in humble guise ; nor did Vdii issue out^
altliough a good year rolled away. Then the cave became filled
with blood gushing out vehemently. Seeing this, I became
amazed, and exercised with the poison of grief on account of
my brother. And I, losing my sense, thought that my superior
had for certain been slain. And I placed a crag huge as a
hill at the mouth of the cave. (And thought I), 'Mahisha,
unable to issue out, needs must meet his end.' And despair*
ing of his (V3ili*s) life, I retraced ray steps to KishkindM.
And obtaining the spacious kingdom along with TArft and
Uma, I began to pass my days in peace in company willi
his counsellors. Then came that foremost of monkeysyhaviog
slain him (Mahisha). Thereupon, I, influenced by fear, in
consideration of his dignity, made over to him his monarchy.
But Vali, his senses exercised with sorrow, anxious to sUy
me, in company with his counsellors, pursued me, who
took to my heels. Hotly pursued and chased by VWif
I surveyed various streams and woods and cities. And
I surveyed the earth like the hoof-print of a cow, or the
image reflected from a mirr(»r, or a fire-brand whirled (in the
air.;t Then repairing to the East, I see various trees, and
mountains, and charming caves, and diverse tanks. And there
I behold the Ascending mountain decked with gold, — and that
daily abode of Apsaras — the sea of milk. And chased by

* The real name of this DAnava is ni^yAvi. lie is confusedly called Duooari
And Mahisha.the latter, in consequence of the implication that his father hftTiif
assunicd the shape of a buffalo, he has also a like shape.— T.

t The commentator remarks that "like the hoof-print of a cow'* espivsMi
the ease with which Sugriva travelled the earth ; "like a fire brand whirkd*
conveys his vehement speed ; and "like the image reflected on a mirror**
fics the lucidity of his perception. — T.

KlSHKlNDHk KlNDA M 8^9

V&li, and flying on, I suddenly veered round, and then again,
0 master, off I went. And changing that direction, I again
made for the South crowded with trees belonging to Vindhya,
and embellished with sandal woods. Then seeing Vali in the
mountain among trees, from the south I, pursued by Vali,
l>etook myself to the western quarter. And beholding various
countries, and arriving at that foremost and best of mountains —
Asta* — I turned to the north j and (passed) Himavat, and
Meru, and the Northern sea. But pursued by VSli, refuge
find I none. Then out spake Hanuman endeued with under-
standing, 'O king, now I remember me how that lord of
monkeys, Vali, was cursed by Matanga in this very hermitage.
If Vali enters (into this asylum), his head becomes cleft in
hundred. There we shall dwell happily without anxiety,' O
king's son, thereupon, we went to the Rhisyamuka mountain,
nor did then Vali enter there from fear of Matanga. Thus,

0 king, did I actually sec all the world. And from that place

1 came to this cave."

SECTI ON X LVI I.

Xhe principal monkeys, having been ordered by the
monkey-king, speedily went in all directions to their destina-
tions for the purpose of seeing Vaidehi. And on all sides they
explore watery expanses, and streams, and lawns, and com-
mons, and cities, and tracts rendered impassable by torrents.
And the leaders of monkey-herds search all those countries,
described by Sugriva,— containing mountains, woods and
forests. Engaged during the day in search of Sita, at
night the monkeys seek the ground (for sleep). In every
place, by day coming to trees aye enjoying every season,
and crowned with fruits, the monkeys prepared their beds at

♦ The .letting hill.— T.

830 HAmXrANA.

nigbt.* Counting that dayt as the first, the principal
monkeys, after the month had run out, resigning all hope,
came to the Fountain and met with the monkey«king. And
having explored the Eastern regions, as directed, the exceed-
ingly strong Vinata not having been able to see Sit3, came
back, in company with his counsellors. And then that mighty
ape, Satavali, daunted in spirits, arrived with his forces, after
having searched all through the North. And having search-
ed the West in company with his monkeys, Sushena, on the
month being complete, presented himself before Sugriva.
And coming to Sugriva seated along with R§ma behind the
Fountain, and saluting the former, Sushena said unto Sugriva,
— "Searched have been all the mountains, and deep woods,
and streams^ and islands embosomed in the ocean, and the
various provinces. And also searched have been all the caves
which have been described by thee ; and searched have been
all the groves entertwined with plants ; and thickets ; and
difficult and uneven grounds. And huge animals have been
sought out and slain (by us). And all the impracticable places
we have explored again and again. O lord of monkeys,
possessed of great strength and nobly born, it is Hanumftn
who will be able to ascertain the whereabouts of Mithili's
daughter. And the Wind's son, HanumSin, hath followed even
the path by which SilSL hath gone.*'

SECTION XLVIII .

X HE monkey Hanumin in company with TSrft and Angida
swiftly set out for the quarter assigned by Sugriva. And
having proceeded far along with all those foremost of men keySi

- ■ - _ - - _ 1 -nr iiM^B— *

* The sense is rather obscure, it being difficult to understand the rebtifl
their beds bore to^the neighbouring trees. — T.
t i.e. the day of their departure.— T.

KlSHKlNDHkKlNDA M. 83 x

be explored the caves and woods of Vindhya; spots inaccessible
ID consequence of streams intervening in front of mountains;
and tanks ; and tracts filled with trees ; and various mountains
rife with wild trees. And having searched in all directions,
the monkeys could not find Maithili, Janaka's daughter
Sit2l. And subsisting on various fruits and roots, they were
overcome with fatigue, after searching dreadful forests, void
of water, still and tenantless, as well as other forests of a
similar nature. And having searched that country as well
mighty forests containing caves, those leaders of monkey-
herds fearlessly explored other places, difficult of access,
where the trees are fruitless, and without flowers and foliage ;
where the streams are waterless, and where roots even are
rare; where there are no buffaloes, or deer, or elephants, or
tigers, or birds — or any other animals that are found in forests.
And there are there neither trees, nor annual plants, nor
creepers, nor herbs, — and in that place there are no pleasant
pools, with cool leaves, and filled with blown lotuses ; and it
hath been renounced by the black-bees. There dwelleth a
Maharshi, Kandu by name, an eminently pious, and truthful
ascetic, irascible, and irrepressible because of his practice of
self-discipline. In that wood his son, a boy of ten years,
bis sands having run out, breathed his last ; and it is for this
that the mighty ascetic hath come under the influence of
passion. And cursed by that high-souled one, the entire
mighty forest hath become unfit to harbour (any creatures);
difficult of entrance ;^ and devoid of birds and beasts. They"*^
carefully search the skirts of its woods, mountain-caves, and
the sources of its streams. And those high-souled ones,
devoted to the good of Sugriva, did not find Janaka's daughter,
or her ravisher, R§vana. And entering '.into a wood), they saw
a terrible Asura, concealed by the shrubs and plants — of dread-
ful deeds, and cherishing no fear even of the gods. And
seeing that dreadful Asura, seated like a hill, and resembling

* %,e, the monkeys.

832 RlX'lrANA.

a mountain, they all tightened their cloths. And that stroa|f
one also, saying unto the monkeys, "Destroyed are ye," and
uplifting his clenched fist, rushed after them in rage. AuJ
as he darted suddenly, Angada, the son of V&li, knowing
''This is Ravana/' administered unto him a slap. Struck by
Vali's son, that Asura, his mouth vomilting blood, fell down
to the earth like a hill toppled down. And on his having
breathed his last, the monkeys, elated with victory, thoroughly
searched that mountain cavern. And when they had satisfied
themselves that the cave had been searched all through, the
dwellers of the woods entered another fearful mountain cavern.
And after having searched (that place; also, they came out
fatigued; and with desponding hearts sat them down at a
distance under the shade of a tree.

SECTION XLIX.

X HEN the eminently wise Angada, fatigued, spake unto
all the monkeys, cheering them, — * Woods, and mountainSt
and rivers^ and impenetrable wilds, and valleys, and
mountain caverns have been thoroughly searched. But Jinaki
we have failed to find anywhere, — or that wicked wight, the
Rikshasa that hath ravished Sit&. And we have spent a
great part of the term that had been assigned by Sugnva of
stern commands. Therefore, banishing languor, sadness, and
invading drowsiness, do ye together search all round. Do
ye so search Sit&, that she may be found out (by us). High
spirits, ability and forwardness in action, are said to conduce
to success. Therefore it is that I speak thus unto you. Ye
dwellers of the wood, do ye to day rummage this impenetra-
ble wood ; renouncing grief, do ye again search through this
forest. Those who act, for certain behold the fruit of their
endeavours; but if people once give way to grief, they cannot

KISHKWDHlKlNDAM. S33

again attain vigor. Ye monkeys, king Sugriva is irascible;
and inflicteth sharp punishments. He should be always feared,
as also the magnanimous RSlma. I tell you this for your
good. Act accordingly, if ye list. And do ye also express
what else ye are capable of.'^ Hearing Angada's words
GandhamSLdana said in candid words faint from thirst and
fatigue, — 'What Angada hath said unto us is worthy of him,
and is beneficial and good. Do you follow his speech. Let
us afresh search hills, caves and rocks, vacant forests and
mountain cascades, — in accordance with what the high-souled
Sugriva hath laid down. Let all in a body rummage the
wood, and the mountain caverns.'* There rising up, the
mighty monkeys again began to range the South close with
forests belonging to Vindhya. And the monkeys ascended
the Silvern Hill resembling the autumnal welkin, graceful,
and furnished with summits and valleys. And eager to behold
Sita, those excellent monkeys began to search the Lodhra
wood, and the Saptaparna forests. And ascendiny its top,*
those ones endeued with immense prowess, experiencing
fatigue, could not find Vaidehi, the beloved spouse of R^ma.
And having surveyed that hill having many a grot, so far
as the eye could range, the monkeys looking all round,
descended (the eminence). And having descended to the
earth, the monkeys, bewildered, and losing their conscious-
ness, rested for a while at the foot of a tree. And their
fatigue having g^one off a little, the monkeys, having been
refreshed for a while, again prepared to explore the whole
South. And the monkey chiefs, headed by HanumSln, having
set out (on the search), began to range all through Vindhya.

♦ f. e. the top of the Silvern Hill.— T.

105

854 RAnilrANA.

SECTION L.

HE monkey, Hanuman, in company with TAra and Angada
searcheth the caves and woods of Vindhya, — caverns all
around haunted by lions and tigers, and in vast inaccessible
cascades in that foremost of mountains. And they came
to the south-western summit of the mountain. And when
they sojourned there, their (appointed) term had not expired.
And that spacious country, consisting as it did, of caves and
grots and woods, was difficult to search. And there the
wind-god's offspring searched all over the mountain. And
each apart remaining at no great distance from the others,
Gaya, Gav^kha and Gavaya, Sarava, Gandham&dana, Maindii,
Dwivida, and Hanumin, Jambav&n, the youthful prince
Angada, and Tara, remaining in sight of the wood, after
having searched the South — lands covered with mountain
ranges, were searching (about), when they espied an
unenclosed cavity, difficult of entry, named Vriksbavila,
guarded by a Danava. And tried by hunger and thirst, won
out with fatigue, seeking for water, they found that cavity
surrounded by trees and plants. And, with their bodies
drenched and reddened with lotus dust, Kraunchas and swans
and cranes and Chakravikas, came out of the cavity. And
drawing nigh to that fragrant and inaccessible cave, those
superior monkeys were struck with amaze, and became eager
(to enter into it;. And with their minds filled with doubt, those
vigorous foremost of monkeys gladly approached that cave;
abounding in diverse animals, resembling the residence of
the lord of Daityas,^ dazzling, and dreadful, and impenetrable
on all sides. — Then Hanuman the son of the wind-god,
possessed of the splendour of a mountain-summit, cogniaaat
of woods and forests, said unto the grim-visaged apes,

♦ f. e, the subterranean regions. — T.

KISHKINDHIkANDaM. 835

**Having explored the South, (containing) countries enveloped
with mountain chains, we have ail got fatigued, but we
Iiave failed to find MithilSi's daugliter. And from yonder
cave come out swarms of swans and cranes and krannchas
and chakravdkas^ drenched with water. For certain here
is a well or a watery expanse. And at the mouth of
the cave there are these cool trees.'* Hanuman having
said this, all the monkeys went into the cave covered
with darkness ; without the sun or the moon, capable of
making one's down stand on end. And seeing lions, and
birds and beasts (ranging around), those tiger-like monkeys
entered that cave covered with darkness. And (there) neither
their ken, nor their vigor, nor yet their prowess was baffled :
and their speed resembled the wind, and their sight remained
unimpaired albeit in darkness. And those foremost of
monkeys rushed into the cavity ; and beheld displayed (before
them) an excellent and charming scene. And embracing
each other in that fearful cave rife with various trees, they
passed over an hundred yoyanas. And deprived of their
sense, and tried with thirst, and bewildered, and thirsting for
water, they for a time vigilantly descended in darkness down
the cave. And emaciated, with woe-begone faces, and spent,
those monkeys despairing of their lives, (at last) saw light.
And those mild ones, coming to a spot free from darkness,
saw golden trees, possessed of the brightness of flaming fire.
And S&Ias and palms, and Tam^las, Punnagas, Vanjulas, and
Dhavas, Champakas, Naga trees, Karnikaras in flower; with
variegated golden bunches and twigs, and crests of clusters,
and plants, — embellished with golden garniture; resembling the
infantine sun,— on daises composed of lapises ; — golden trees
with resplendent bodies, having the hues of purple lapises;
and lotus-plants flocked with fowls ; and (spots) surrounded
by large golden trees, like unto the infantine sun ; and tanks
with large fishes of gold and lotuses, containing pleasant
waters — all these they saw there. And the monkeys saw

836 KA.vArANA.

there golden as well asLsilvern vehicles, and elegant dwelh'ngs
all round veiled with nets of pearls; having golden balconys ;
with their grounds paved with gold and silver ; and furnished
with lapis lazulis. And on all sides they saw trees bearing
fruits and flowers resembling coral ; and golden black
bees, and honey all round, and various spacious seats
and beds about dight with gold and jewels. And search-
ing in that cave, the exceedingly effulgent heroic
monkeys saw heaps of golden, silver and bell-metal vessels;
and heaps of excellent agnrii and sandal \ and pure fruits
and roots ; and costly vehicles and various kinds of sapid
honey; and loads of costly attire; and lots of variegated
woolen cloths and deer-skins ; as well as a female, from near.
And they found her there, wearing a black deerskin,—
a female ascetic, with restrained fare — as if flaming io
energy. Amazed, the monkeys sat them down in a body.
And then Hanuman asked her, — *'Who art thou ? And to
whom doth this cave belong?" And Hanum«ki] like unto a
hill, bowing down unto the old women with joined hands,
asked her, saying, — 'Who art thou? And tell me, to whom
belong this edifice and the cave as well as all these jewels."

SECTION LI.

JlLaving said this unto that female clad in a piece of
black deer-skin, Hanuman asked that highly religious ascetic
practising pious offices, "Having rashly entered this cave
enveloped in gloom, we have been exercised with hunger and
thirst; and are extremely faint. And, having entered this
mighty cave underneath the earth, we have become thirsty.
And. sftin^ all these wonderful phenomena, we have become
aflhctcd, and bewildered ; and have lost our sense. To whom
belong these golden trees resembling the infantine sun ; and

KISHKINDHAkANDA AI. 837

the pure fruits and roots ; and the houses and vehicles of
gold and silver, — veiled in networks of jewels, and furnished
with golden windows ? And by whose energ[y are these
golden trees (here^, bearing flowers, crowned with fruits,
grateful to the sight, and breathing rich odour? And golden
lotuses spring in lucent water, — how golden fishes are dis-
covered in it along with tortoises I Have these sprung from
thy power; or do they owe their existence to the ascetic
energy of any other ? It behoves thee to relate all this unto
us who are ignorant of everything." Thus addressed by
Hanuman, the female ascetic practising righteousness, and
engaged in the welfare of all beings, replied unto HanumSn,—
"O foremost of monkeys, there is one, named Maya, spreader
of illusions. By him hath this entire golden grove been
constructed through his wonderful power of construction. He
that hath reared this excellent golden grove, and this charm-
ing mansion, was formerly the Vi9wakarma* of the principal
Danavas. Haviuij for a thousand years practised austerities
in this vast foiest, he obtained a boon from the Great-father, —
in virtue of whicli he had attained consummate mastery in
his art, as well as absolute control over the materials required
therein. Having accomplished everything, that powerful one,
commanding every enjoyment, for a time happily dwelt in
this mighty forest. Then he, happening to conceive a passion
for an ApsarS, HemSl (by name), Purandara,vigorously wielding
his thunder-bolt, struck him dead. Then BrahmS conferred on
Hem^ this fine forest and this golden mansion, with the per*
petual privilege of enjoying every pleasure herein. I, Sayam-
prabhSL by name, — the daughter of MerusSvarni, guard
this house of Hema, O foremost of monkeys. HemS, skilled
in dance and song, is my dear friend. Having received her
blessing, I guard this vast forest. What is thy errand ? And
why is it that ye have arrived at these lone woods ? And
how have you managed to see this inaccessible forest ?

♦ The name of the celestial architect. — T.

838 RAM A TANA.

Having partaken of these fruits and roots intended for use,
and drunlc, do ye detail all this to me."

SECTION Lll.

HEN to all the monkey-chiefs, after they had rested, the
female ascetic, engaged in righteous practices, eagerly said
these words, — *'Ye monkeys, if your pain hath gone off in
consequence of the fare of fruits which you have partakeni
and also if it be fit to be heard by me, I would listen to your
narration/' Hearing her words, Hanumftn, the son of the
wind-god, in all candour began to relate everything faithfully.
*'The Sovereign of all this world, resembling Mahendra or
Varuna, Rlima, the graceful son of Da^aratha, entered the
woods of Dandaka, in company with his brother, Lakshmana,
as well as his spouse, Vaidehi. His wife hath been forcibly
■ — carried off by Ravana. His friend is that heroic king, the
monkey named Sugriva. By that monarch of the foremost
monkeys have we been despatched (hither\ And we have,
joining company with these prime monkeys headed by
Angada, come to the South, protected by Yama, and
inhabited by Agastya. And we have been commissioned, *Do
ye all search for the Rakshasa Rivana, wearing forms at will,
along with Videha's daughter.SitS.' Having searched through
the forest as well as the ocean on the South, we, becoming
hungry, sat down at the foot of a tree. And with pallid
countenances, we all, absorbed in thought, sank in a wide sea
of anxiety, which we could not cross. And casting our eyes
around, wc spyed a huge cave covered with trees and plants
and enveloped in gloom. And (it came to pass that) from
this (cave) came out swans, drenched with water, with
drops of water on their wings, — and plumed kuravas and
cranes. 'Let us enter here', said I unto the monkeys. And

KISHKINDHAkANDAM 839

Uicy also arrived at that conclusion.''^ And thereupon they,
bestirring themselves, entered into the cave. And firmly
griping each other's hands, they at once made entry into
the cave covered with darkness. This is our errand ; and it
is on this job that we have come. And having come to thee,
hungry and exhausted, we,who had been sore tried by hunger,
have been entertained with fruits and roots, agreeably
to the code regulating hospitality. And as thou hast
saved the monkeys, who were weary and suffering from
hunger, tell (me), — what benefit shall the monkeys do thee
in return ?" Thus addressed by the apes, the all-knowing
SayamprabhSl replied unto the monkey-chiefs, saying, — "Well
pleased am I with the fast-footing monkeys. But by one
engaged in my duties, there is no work that is desiderated."
Thus accosted in excellent words fraught with asceticism and
righteousness, Hanuman spoke unto that one of faultless
eyes, saying, — "We all take refuge in thee, practising piety.
The term that had been fixed by the high-souled Sugriva in
respect of us, shall all be spent in this cave. Therefore it
behoveth thee to deliver us from this place. And it be-
hoveth thee to save us, exercised with fear for Sugriva, — who,
happening to override Sugriva's command, shall lose our
lives. And, further, O thou that practisest righteousness,
great is the task that is to be performed by us. But if we
stay here, that work of ours shall remain unaccomplished.''
Thus addressed by HanumSin, the ascetic said, — "Once enter-
ing, hard it is for any one to return (hence) alive. But by
the potency of my asceticism acquired through self-discipline,
I shall deliver all the monkeys from this den. Ye foremost of
monkeySi do ye close your eyes. No one is able to issue out of
this place without closing one's eyes." Then they,eagerly desir-
ous of going out, closed their sightf with their hands furnished
with tender fingers. And the magnanimous monkeys, with

• Namely, that water was to be found there. — T.

t The lest has uimilitah — and thus they closed their eyes. This rtdundant

840 RlMlFANA.

their faces covered with their palms, were in the twinkling of
an eye, liberated from the den by her. And then the
pious anchoret spoke unto them there. And when they ha4
come out of the fearful den, cheering them up, she said,—
''This is the fair Vindhya mountain filled with various trees aod
herbs. This is the Pra^ravana hill; and this is the great
deep. Fair Fortune ! I go to my abode,ye foremost of monkeys.'*
Having spoken thus, Sayamprabhi entered that captivating
cave.

SECTION Llll .

Xhen they saw the ocean — abode of Varuna—shorelesSi
resounding, life with dreadful billows. Explorin^^r the mount-
ain fastness of Maya,**" they spent the month that had been
set by the king. Then sitting down at the foot of lb*
Vindhya mountain, containing^ blossoming trees, at that timet
those high-souled ones indulged in reflections. And behold-
ing vernal trees bending beneath the load of flowers, and
environed by hundreds of plants, they were inspired with
apprehension. And each knowing that spring had appeared,
they, the term apppointed for their task having run out,
dropped down on the ground. Thereat, with bland words
properly honoring the aged apes and the rest dwelling in the
woods, that monkey having the shoulders of a lion or a bull,
and plump and broad arms — the youthful prince Angada,
endowed with high wisdom, spoke, — **We have come out at
the mandate of the monarch of monkeys. While we sojourned
in the cave, a full month liad passed away, ye monkeys.

epithet has been left out in the translation, as it would render the Tenloa ex-
tremely awkward. — T.

* Named Rhikshavila. — T.

T I. r at ihc beginning of winter. — T.

KISHKINDHlKlNDA .M. 641

hy do yoti not understand this ? We set out, engaging that our
m of search should reach no further than the end of Kartika;*
t that hath expired. Now, what next is to be done ?
ving received the orders (of the king), ye, conversant with
!ity, engaged in the welfare of your master, expert in every
rk^incomparable in execution, and renowned in every quarter,
re come out, commanded by the lord of monkeys. Now,
^ing failed to attain our object, we shall meet with death.
5re is no doubt whatever about this. Who, having been
uccessful in doing the mandate of the king of monkeys,
oyeth ease ? Now all the rangers of the forest should fast

death. Naturally stern, Sugriva, established as our
ster, shall not forgive us, when we repair there, after having
isgressed thus. Sita not having been found out, Sugriva,

certain, shc'iU commit this sin.f Therefore it is fit that,
>aking our sons, and wives, and wealth, and homes, we this
y day sit down to starve ourselves to death. Death at

place is preferrable to the unequal punishment (we nmst
it with at the hands of Sugriva). And, further, I have not
n installed heir-apparent by Sugriva ; I have been
inkled by that foremost of kings, Rama of untiring energy.
:ertaining enmity against me of old, the king, seeing this
se, must be firmly determined to take my life by means of a
ere sentence. What is the use of suffering my friends to
k on my disaster at the last moment of my existence ?
irefore even on this sacred shore of the sea shall I sit
vn to starve myself." Hearing the tender prince speak
s, all those principal monkeys pathetically observed, —
igriva is harsh by nature, and RSghava loveth his wife
.rly. The time appointed having passed by, seeing us
me) without attaining success in the task, and seeing us
ive without obtaining a sight of Vaidehi, (Sugriva) shall
:ai ily slay us from the desire of doing what is agreeable to

♦ October,

t I. e. slay us. — 71

1 06

840 RlMlFANA.

their faces covered with their palms, were in the twinkling of
an eye, liberated from the den by her. And then the
pious anchoret spoke unto them there. And when they had
come out of the fearful den, cheering them up, she said,—
"This is the fair Vindhya mountain filled with various trees and
herbs. This is the Pra^ravana hill ; and this is the great
deep. Fair Fortune ! I go to my abode,ye foremost of monkeys.'*
Having spoken thus, Sayamprabhi entered that captivating
cave.

SECTION LI II .

Xhen they saw the ocean — abode of Varuna — shoreless,
resounding, rife with dreadful billows. Exploring the mount-
ain fastness of Maya,**" they spent the month that had been
set by the king. Then sitting down at the foot of the
Vindhya mountain, containing blossoming trees, at that timet
those high-souled ones indulged in reflections. And behold-
ing vernal trees bending beneath the load of flowers, and
environed by hundreds of plants, they were inspired with
apprehension. And each knowing that spring had appeared,
they, the term apppointed for their task having run out,
dropped down on the ground. Thereat, with bland words
properly honoring the aged apes and the rest dwelling in the
woods, that monkey having the shoulders of a lion or a bull,
and plump and broad arms — the youthful prince Angada,
endowed with high wisdom, spoke, — "We have come out at
the mandate of the monarch of monkeys. While we sojourned
in the cave, a full month liad passed away, ye monkeys.

epithet has been left out in the translation, as it would render the version ex-
tremely awkward. — T.

• Named Rhikshavila.— T.

t I. #. at the beginning of winter. — T.

kishkindhXkXndam. 843

of his master, began to inspire him with fear.* He,
wealthy in words, laying under contribution the second o{
the four means,t had created division among those monkeys.
On their being divided, be (Hanuman) set about raising
Angada's apprehension by various fear-fraught speech, refer-
ring to punishments. ''O T&rSL's son, thou art for certain more
capable of fight than even thy sire ; and thou art also able to
hold the monkey-kingdom as firmly as he. But, O foremost
of monkeys, the monkeys are always inconstant in character.
Bereft of their wives and sons, they shall not bear thy behest.
And they shall never take to thee. This I tell thee in
presence of ail. And I will tell thee what. Thou neither
by the virtues of conciliation, charity and the rest, nor by
chastisement, shalt succeed in drawing to thy side this
J^mbavln, or Niia, or the mighty ape Suhotra, or myself.
A strong one wronging another that is weak, can live ;
therefore a weak person anxious for self-preservation, should
never wrong (a strong individual). Thou considerest that this
cave may serve for thy protectress, J having heard of it (said
by TSra) ; but to rive the same is but light work for the
sliafts of Lakshmana. Formerly this was cleft a little by
lodra, with his thunderbolt hurled (against it}§ \ but now
Lakshmana would pierce it like a leaf-stalk, by means of
his keen arrows. Lakshmana hath many an iron arrow like
Indra's thunderbolt or that of the sky,[| capable of riving even
mountains. O subduer of enemies, soon as thou shalt set
tip here, the monkeys, making up their minds, shall forsake
Qiee. Remembering their wives and sons, ever anxious

• Toachin|r TAra.— T.

t Referred to above. — T.

X The word meaning cav^ is feminine In Sanskrit. — ^T.

f The commentator interprets the passage differently : "Formerly Indra did
I little damage herein^t. e, merely slew Maya, the architect of the mansion."
fhis is ingenuity. I give the plain sense. — T.

I Vajrit^ani-^Vajra is the thunder-bolt in the hand of Indra, and Agani^^
Im thuader-bolt produced by clouds.— ^T.

Sa4 RAmAVsANA,

(on account of Sugriva , pining for domestic happines?/
and aggrieved (at their pitiable plight), Ihey shall
turn their backs upon thee. Then forsaken by thy kindred
as well as friends seeking thy welfare, thou shalt be
struck with adright even at a quaking blade of grass.
If thou make head (against Sugriva), the sharpened shafts
of Lakshmana, terrible, of exceeding impetuosity and mighty
vehemence, and incapable of being baffled, shall be eager to
slay thee. On the contrary, if thou in humble guise present
tliysclf (before him) along with us, he shall establish thee
in the kingdom, in consideration of thy being the next heir.
A righteous sovereign, steady in vow, clean, and truthful
in promise, thy uncle, who cherishes affection for thee,
shall not by any means chastise thee. And he loves thy
mother, and his life is for her; and she hath no other son.
Therefore, O An2:adi\, go alonsj with us."

SECTION LV.

:0:0:-

KARING HanumSn's speech, uttered meekly, fraught with
morality, and reflecting honor upon Sugriva, Angada said, —
"Firmness, and mental sanctity, mercy, candour, prowess,
and patience, are not in Sugriva. He that, while her son
is livino:, appropriatelh the beloved queen of his elder brother,
mother unto him by morality, is hated »of all beings). How
can he that could cover up the mouth of the cave, when he
had been desired by his brother gone on martial mission,
to <ni.'ird the same, — (how can he) know morality? Whose
i^ood office rememhercth he who could forget the renowned
Raghava himself of mighty deeds, after having, in the name
of truth, taken his hand ? How can he reap religious raeritr
that directed us to search SitS here, from fear of Lakshmana,
and not from fear of unrighteousness? What noble persoD,

KISHKINDH&KANDA3I. »45

in especial, sprung in his race, shall any longer repose
confidence in that impious one of unstable soul wha
hath run amuck of morality? Meritorious or otherwise,
how can Sugriva, having installed in the kingdom me,
son (of his enemy) and the enemy sprung in his race, — suffer
me to live ? How can I, whose counsels have been revealed,
who have transgressed, and who have been deprived of my
power, repairing to Kishkindha like one forlorn and feeble,
live? For the sake of his kingdom, Sugriva, wily, cunning
and cruel, shall put me in solitary confinement. For me
fasting to death is better than being confined and suffering the
consequent misery. Do ye grant me your permision ; and
go to your homes, ye monkeys. I vow before you, to the
palace I will never repair. At this very spot will I fast for
death ; as death is good for me. Bowing unto the king as
well as unto the powerful Raghava, ye should communicate my
well-being unto Sugriva — lord of apes — and my health and
peace unto my mother Uma. And it behoves you also to
console my mother, TarS. Naturally fond of her son,
and overflowing with tenderness, that lorn one, hearing of
my death at this place, shall certainly renounce her life.''
Having said this, Angada, saluting the elders, with a woe-
begone face entered the earth covered with grass. When he
had entered, those foremost monkeys, stricken with sorrow,
weeping shed warm tears from their eyes. And censuring
Sugriva and praising Vali, they, surrounding Angada, deter-
mined to starve themselves to death. Takins: to heart the
speech of VSli's son, those prime monkeys, sipping water,
sat down facing the East. And sitting on the edge of the
water on grass pointing to the south, the foremost monkeys,
washing for surcease, thought within themselves, — "Even
this is fit for us." And as they spK)ke of the exile of RSma
and the demise of Da9aratha, the carnage in JanasthSna, the
slaying of JatSyu, the ravishment of Vaidchi, the slaughter of
V^li, and the ire of Rama, the monkeys were seized with fear.

8^6 RiAlAyANA.

When those monkeys resembling mountain*summits had
entered in, they set up cries, which, like unto the rumbling of
clouds, making the sky resound, made that mountaia with its

rills reverberate.

SECTION LV1.

VV HEN the monkeys had been seated in that mountain,
with the intention of putting a period to their existence
through fasting, a king of vultures happened to come to that
quarter. And that long-lived bird was named Sampftti, the
beautiful brother of JatSLyu, famous for his strength and
prowess. Issuing from a cavern of the mighty mountain
Vindhyn, he, seeing the monkeys seated, well pleased, said —
*'VeriIy man* reapeth the fruit of his former acts ; and there-
fore it is that this food ordained to that end, comes to me
after a long time. I shall feed on these monkeys, one by
one, slaying them one after another." Eying those apes,
the bird expressed himself thus. Hearing this speech of the
bird coveting his food, Angada faintly spoke to Hanun&n.
"Behold! through SilSL's simplicityt this one — ^the very son of
the Sun, Yama — hath come to this place, to exterminate the
monkeys. R5ma*s work hath not been done ; nor the royal
mandate. And this disaster hath arrived unthought of by
the monkeys. Ye have in detail heard all that, inspired with
the desire of doing what is good unto Vaidehi, that king of
vultures, Jatayu, did here. In this way, all creatures, even
the brute species^ compass the welfare of Rftma, renouncing
their lives, as we do. It is because of the love and tender*

the vulture. — ^T.

t Another reading^ is Gridkrd padesana — through the vultur's cmnnkff.
This the commentator considers as'preferrable. — T.

KISHRINDHlKkNDAM. 847

nesfl^ they bear towards (Rama), that people do good unto
each other. And therefore the righteous Jatayu, of his
own accord laying down his life, hath done the pleasure of
R2Lma. We also/overcome with fatigue and (almost) dying,
have come to this forest ; but MithilSL's daughter we find not.
Happy is that king of vultures, having been slain by Ravana
in battle. He hath got quit of the fear of Sugriva, and hath
also attained supreme state. In consequence of the death of
Jatftyu and that of king Da^aratha, as well as owing to the
ravishment of Vaidehi, (the lives of) the monkeys have come
into jeopardy. RSlma^s and Lakshmana's abode in the forest
with Sit2, RSlghava's slaying of V§H with a shaft, the slaughter
of innumerable RSLkshasas by the^nraged Rama, and (finally)
this mishap— -all these owe theij orgin to the bestowal of the
boon on Kaikeyi." Seeing the monkeys stretched on the
earth) and hearing their piteous words describing their grief,
that magnanimous king of vultures, with his mind agitated,
said ^this). And hearing the words that issued from Angada's
mouth| the sharp-beaked and high-toned vulture, said,—*
"Who is it that, making my mind tremble, speaketh of the
death of my brother, Jatayu, dearer unto me than life ? How
happened in JanasthSlna the fight between the Rakshasa and
the vulture ? It is after a long time that to-day I hear the
name of my brother. I wish to alight from this mountain-fast-
ness. I have been well pleased by listening after a long
time to the celebration of the virtues of my younger brother,
cognizant of qualities and worthy of being extolled by reason
of bis prowess. Ye foremost of monkeys, I wish to hear of
the destruction of Jatayu, who dwelt in JanasthSna. And
how could Da^aratha, whose beloved eldest son is R^ma,
dear unto his superiors, be the friend of my brother ? I can
not move in consequence of my wings having been burnt by

* The commentator explains in pure orthodox fashion : Because every-
thing is in X^bna, people serve each other from the love and tenderness, which
pawiain to A»m.— -r.

848 RAAlAyANA.

the solar rays. But I wish that ye may take me down froir»
this mountain/'

SECTION LVil.

0:0—

EARING his accents faltering through grief, the leaders
of monkey-herds, alarmed by his action,* did not repose
confidence in his speech. Seated for the purpose of fasting
to death, the monkeys, seeing the vulture, with terror thought
within themselves, — 'He shall eat us all up. If he eat us
up, who have sat down to fast to death, we shall secure
success, and speedily attain our end." Then those monkey-
chiefs resolved thus. And descending from the summit of
the mountain, Angada spoke unto the vulture, — "There was
a lord of monkeys named RhiksharSLja, endowed witl»
prowess. That king, O bird, was my grandsire. He had two
virtuous sons, exceedingly powerful both — VS.li and Sugriva.
My father, Vali, was famed in the world for his deeds. And
it came to pass that mighty monarch of all this earth,
descendant of the IkshwSkus, the great and graceful car-
warrior, Rama, son unto Da9aratha, intent upon the injunction
of his sire, resorting to the path of righteousness, entered the
woods of Dandaka in company with his brother, Lakshmana
and his wife Vaidehi. And his spouse was forcibly carried
away from Janasthana. And the friend of RS.ma's father, the
king of vultures, named Jatayu, saw Videha's daughter, Siti,
as she was being carried awny in the sky. And after having
thrown down R§vana from his car, and placed Maithili on the
ground, -Ihat vulture) old and overcome with fatigue was (at
length) slain by Ravana in battle. Thus slain by the power*
ful Ravana, the vulture, having had his funereal obsequies

* Karmaua (im/ru.) ly his action. The commentator explains: oiarmM
hy his S'pccJi iibuut catitig up the ni^nirjs. The passage is obscure.— T.

KISHKINDHlKliWDAl^r. \ 84^

performed by R§ma (himselO) l^^th attained excellent state.
Then RSghava made friends with my uncle, the high-souled
Sugriva; and he also slew my sire. My father had debarred
Sogriva from the kingdom along with his counsellors ; but
RlAia, liaving slain V41i, installed him (Sugriva). And
established in the monarchy by him (Rama), Sugriva is (now)
the master of the monkeys and king of all the foremost
ttonkeys« By him have we been sent. Despatched hither
by RUma, we have searched for Sitd all r<Hjnd, but Vaidehi
we have not found, as one doth not find the solar splendour
at night. .And it came to pass that, having heedfully explored
the Dandaka forest, we through ignorance entered a cave
lying open before. That cave, thou must know, was constructed
by the illusive energy of Maya. And there we spent a
Qonth-— the term which had been fixed by the monarclu
Doing the behests of the king of monkeys, we, having over-
stayed the term which had been appointed, have from fear
aat here down for the purpose of fasting unto death. On that
K&kutstba being wrought up with wrath, as well as Sugriva
together with Lakshmana, we, repairing thither, shall lose
#ur lives."

SECTION LVlil.

Wl HEN the monkeys, whose lives had well nigh departed
out of them, bad spoken these piteous words, the vulture, in
solemn accents, with tears in his eyes, said unto the monkeys,
•^''Ye monkeys, ye have said that my younger brother, named
Jat9yu, hath been slain in battle by the powerful R&vana. On
account of my age and want of wings, I, although hearing
this, bear it. Nor have I strength to-day to clear scores
touching my brother's enmity. Formerly, while engaged in
the destruction of Vritra, he and I, burning for victory, soared

107

850 rAmXvana.

in the sky near the flaming sun, garlanded by glory. Thenc6
impetuously wheeling round, we went to the celestial regions
along the etherial way. And it came to pass that, coming
midway of the sun, JatSyu was faint. Witnessing my brother
severely struck by the solar rays, and exceedingly stupified,
I from affection shadowed him with my wings. Thereat, my
pinions scathed, I dropped down on Vindhya, ye foremost of
monkeys ; and staying here, I could not know the circunrn
stances that have befallen my brother.'' Thus addressed by
JatSLyu's brother, SampSiti, the eminently wise prince Angada
answered, — * If thou art indeed the brother of JatSyu, having
heard what I have related, tell (us) if thou knowest touching
the abode of that RSlkshasa. Tell us if thou knowest anent
that short-sighted worst of RSLkshasas, KSLvana, whether
staying far or near." Thereat, rejoicing the monkeys, the
exceedingly energetic elder brother of Jat9yu spoke words
worthy of him, — **Ye monkeys, my pinions have been burnt ;
and I am a vulture shorn of strength. Therefore I will help
Rama well by my words. I know the realms of Vanina, and
Vishnu*s Trivikrama"^ worlds, the wars of the gods and Asuras,
and the churning for ambrosia. And albeit age hath deprived
me of energy, and albeit my life hangs loosely on me, yet, if
this is RSima's work, it should be done by me first. I have
seen a youthful and beautiful female, adorned with all orua*
ments, carried away by the wicked Rlvana,-:-the lady (all
the while) crying, 'O RSma !' 'O RSma !' 'O Lakshmana!' And
taking her ornaments from her person, she was throwing them
on the ground. Her silken cloth seemed like the solar
splendour on the summit of a mountain ; and herself beside
the sable RSikshasa, looked like the lightning in the welkin
(beside clouds). From your relation of RSlma, I conclude that
she must be SitSL. Now listen to me as I tell you about Ibe
abode of that RSlkshasa. Son unto Vi9ravana and brother

* r. #. the worlds enreloped by his three steps during his Dwarf I
tion. — T.

KISHKINDHllCXyDAAL 851

unto Vai9ravana, the Raikshasa named RSLvana resides in the
city of Lank&. And the lovely city of Lanka, reared by
Vi^wakarmSL, lieth a full hundred yoyanas hence on an island
in the sea ; furnished with golden gateways, filled with varie-
gated daises, lordly gold-gleaming palaces; and girt round
with great walls hued like sunshine. There stayeth Vaidehi,
forlorn and clad in a silken cloth, — confined in the inner
apartment of RSvana, and carefully guarded by RSikshasis.
In LankSL protected all round by the sea, ye shall behold
Janaka's daughter, Maithili. At the end of the ocean after a
full hundered yoyanas^ arriving at its southern shore, ye shall
see RSvana. Ye monkeys, do ye hie thither speedily with
vigor. I perceive by my knowledge that having seen (that
place), ye shall come back. The first course belongs to fork-
tailed shrikes and others living on ^rain ; the second, to
those that live on animals and fruits ; the third is ranged by
BliSLshas ; the fourth by Kraunchas, Kuvaras and hawks ; the
fifth by vultures ; the sixth belongs to swans endowed with.
youth and beauty ; and the next to the Vainateyas. We have
derived our origin from Vainateya.t (By despatching you
thither), I shall avenge the heinous deed perpetrated by the
cannibal, as well as the wrong done by R§vana unto my
brother. Resting here, I see RSivana and J^naki. We have
excellent SauparnaX clairvoyance. For this reason, as well
as owing to the energy consequent on our feeding on
certain kinds of flesh, we, ye monkeys, can see a little
further than an hundred yoyanas. Therefore (the Deity) hath
ordained such food for us as are fraught with the power of
making one see from a great distance. And the abode of
cocks and others being underneath trees, their sight is limited
to the extent which they- require to see. Do ye look about

t Aruna, son onto Vinati. — ^T.

t CUinrojrance attained by success in knowledge respecting the spiritual
Golden ejret. Thus far the commentator. We leave the abstruse point to the
apostles of theosophj and spiritism for illucidation. — T.

z^2 RtitrHrANA.

for means to cross over the salt waters. Harivg met witb
Vaidehi, do ye, having achieved success, come bach. I wish
to be taken by you to the ocean — abode of Varuna. I will
offer water unto (tlie manes of) my high-souled brother,
who hath gone to» heaven," Thereat those heroes, tlie
monkeys possessed of exceeding energy, carried to tbc
destined spot on the shore of the ocean^ SaropSti, whose
wings had been scathed. Then carrying that lord of vul-
tures back to the self-same p4ace, the monkeys, furnished wilb
information (concerning Siti^ experienced great joy.

SECTION LIX

XHEN hearing that amnbro»fa4 speech of the vnlture-kiogr
the monkey-chiefs, being delighted, kept on parleying (on thai
topic). Tlien Jambavan — foremost of monkeys — together
with all the monkeys, arising suddenly from the groandt
spoke unto the vulture-king, saying, — ''Where is SilS ? BJf
whom hath she been seen ? And who hath carried awif
Mithil&'s daughter? Do thou teU ue all about this, aad
(thus) prove the path of th ?se ran-gcrs of the woods. WkD
is there that dotli not take heed of the force of Dftcarath?il^
and Lakshmana's arrows, speeding with the vehemence of
thunder ?" Thereat, cheering up those monkeys, who faii
risen from their attitudes of fasting, an<l who were all attca*
tion to hear* news conccning SitS, he (SampSli), wd
pleased, said these words, — '^Listen as to how I camels
know of the ravishment of Vaidehi, SitS, at this place; ail
who it was tiiat told me where that one of expansive tf^
is. For a long time I lay here, old, and of feeble life aai
energy. That best of birds, my son named Sapifi(«i%^^'
coming to me, at the proper hour maintained me wkh ioai*

* Lit. Dasaratha's ton. The term if applied in eipecial to RAma.— T; -*

KISHKINDHliKJiNDAM «5J

Gandliarbas are exceedingly lascivious ; serpents are exceed-
ingly wrathful ; fear is excessive in deer ; and we have
excessive hunger. Once on a tinie my son, going forth about
sunrise to procure food for me who was suffering from
hunger and (accordingly) eager for it, came back in the
evening without any flesh. Hurt (by my speech uttered)
in consequence of my non-receipt of food, that enhancer
of my joy, asking my forgiveness, said these words fraught
with fact, — 'Father, taking to my wings at the proper time
for procuring flesh, I (went) and stood, obstructing the pass
of the Mahendra mountain. There stood I looking down,
obstructing the way of thousands of creatures ranging the sea.
There I saw somebody resembling a mass of crushed colly*
rium, going away, taking a female resembling the rising sun
in splendour. Seeing them, I had made up my mind that
they should serve for thy fare, when he humbly in a pacific
manner begged for way. Even among the mean, there id
none on earth that can slay people who assume a mild
attitude. What shall I say, alas ! of superior ones like
myself ? And summoning celerity, he went on as if pushing
off the sky by his energy. Then the rangers of the air and
other beings worshipped me. And the Maharshis said unto
me, — By luck it is that Sitd is still living.^ — He together
with a female^ having passed by thee^ certainly augurs good
fortune unto thee,X — Then those eminently handsome Siddhas
spoke thus unto me. — This is Rdvana, the king of the
RdkshasaSy said they unto me. And I (stood), beholding the
wife of RSLma, son unto Da^aratha, — throwing off her orna*
ments and silken apparel, overwhelmed by might of sorrow,
with hair dishevelled crying out the names of RSma and
Lakshmana. This O father, is the reason of my passing the

t The commentator supplies the elipsis thus,'— ''Coming •mithin thy ken by
luck, Sit& is living."

% The passage is obscare. The commentator has glossed over this i/ol#, ami
the meaning is none the clearer for his explanation.— T.

854 RImXYANA.

time/ That best of those skilled in speech, SupSLrfwa, said
all this unto me. Even hearings of this, I could not think
of putting forth prowess. How can a bird bereft of wings,
undertake any thing ? But listen ! I will tell you as to what
I am capable of through speech, intellect and merit, and
what ye can exert your manliness in. I wiU do what is
agreeable unto you by my words and my intention. That
which is Da9arathi's work is also mine. Of this there is no
doubt. Ye, foremost in intelligence, strong, intellectual,
and incapable of being overcome by the gods themselves,
have been despatched by the monarch of monkeys. And
Rama's and Lakshmana's shafts furnished with the feathers
of the Kanka, are competent to afRict or save the three
worlds. And although the Ten-necked one is endowed with
strength and energy, yet to you who are competent, nothing
is hard to accomplish. There is no need of delay. Make up
your minds. Persons like you do not give way to laziness
in enterprise."

SECTION LX.

W HEN the vulture had offered oblations of water unto
the manes of his deceased brother and finished his ablutions,
the monkey-chiefs sat down in that charming aiouDtaini
surrounding him. And inspired with confidence (in the words
of the Ni9akara), Sampati, from delight, said unto Angada,
who was seated, surrounded by all the monkeys, — ^''Remain-
ing silent, do ye, ye monkeys, heedfully hear what I say.
I will tell you truly how I came to know Maithili. My body
being affected by solar heat, and my wings burnt bj the
rays of the sun, O sinless one, I formerly fell to this summit
of Vindhya. On regaining my senses after six nights, during
which I was insensible, I looked around in

KISHKINDHlXlNDA M. S5 5

but could not recognise anything whatever. Then closely
Tiewing oceans and mountains, rivers and tanks, and woods
and countries, my thoughts came back to me. And seeing
this place abounding in cheerful birds^ containing woods and
crested with summits,! for certain concluded it to be Vindhya
pn the shores of the Southern sea. And here lay a sacred
asylum, honored even by the celestials, and here dwelt a
sunt named Ni9SLkara, of fierce austerities. And after
Nifikara cognizant of virtue had gone to heaven, I bereft
of that saint, passed eight thousand years in tliis mountain.
Descending with difficulty from the uneven top of Vindhya,
I again came* to the earth covered with sharp-pointed grass.
I was eager to see the saint ; and (therefore), with much ado
I came to him \ and JatSLyu and myself saw that saint many
a time and oft. A fragrant breeze blew about the hermitage ;
and no tree was found that did not bear flowers and fruits.
Approaching the holy asylum, I, desirous of beholding the
worshipful Ni9SLkara, waited at the foot of a tree. Then at
a distance I saw the saint, flaming in energy and irrepressi-
ble,—returning northwards. And as creatures gather round
a giver, bears and Srimarasy tigers, lions, and various
reptiles, were going along, surrounding him. And knowing
that the saint had arrived (at his home), the animals went
away, as go away forces together with counsellors, when the
sovereign hath entered (liis palace). — The saint was glad on
seeing me. Then re-entering his asylum for a short space,
be came out and enquired for my mission. 'O mild one, in
consequence of thy feathers having undergone alteration, I
cannot recognise thee. Thy two wings have been blasted
by fire ; and thy powers in thy frail frame are (in the same
condition). Aforetime I saw two vultures like unto wind in
speed, — kings of vultures, brothers, wearing shapes at will.
Thou art I know, elder, O SampSLti^ and Jatlyu is younger to
thee. Assuming human forms, you had taken hold of my feet.

♦ While the saint was staying h*Te. — T.

856 Rl Ally ANA.

Now, what ailment hath attacked thee ? And why have tlijr
plumes fallen off ? And who hath dealt this punishment unto
thee ? Do thou tell all this unto me, who am asking thee'."

SECTION LXI.

Xhereat SampSiti related unto the ascetic all about his^
fearful,arduous,and rash act of following up the sun. "'O rever «
end sire,in consequence of my body suffering from sores, I, my
senses bewildered from shame, and myself fatigued, cannot
utter words. From pride for power of flight, I and JatSytt,
being intoxicated by conceit, began to voyage the sky afar
off, with the view of testing each other's prowess, binding
ourselves by the vow that we would follow the Sun so long
as he did not enter that mighty Setting mountain, — and
appear before the ascetics on the summit of Kailiya. And
simultaneously plunging (into the aerial deep) we saw on the
earth beneath separate cities resembling car-wheels ; and
here the sound of musical instruments ; and there the tinkl'
ings of ornaments* And (at places) we beheld many 1
damsel clad in red attire, engaged in singing. And swiftly
darting up into the sky and approaching the path of the SuOi
we saw a wood interspersed with swards. And we saw the
earth covered with crags and masses of rocks, and inter-
sected by streams resembling threads. And Himavin, and
Vindhya, and that mighty mountain, Meru, appeared on the
earth like elephants in a tank. Then we began to sweat, and
to be filled with regret ; and fear seized us both. And we
became bewildered ; and fainted away frightfully.* And «e
knew not the south, or the west, or the quarter presided over

by Fire ;t and the ivorld that was still burning at the cad

— - — — — ^^^—^^-^-^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

* Consequent on Jat4yu having dropped down.— T.
t Southeast.— T.

KISHKINDHAKKNDAM. \^7

of a ytig&y appeared {anto ns) as if it had been consumed
^ite.* And my mind, combined with my eyes waxed feebler.
And thea fixing with might and main my eyes as well as my
mind (on the sun), I could by a violent exercise of my energy
behold the san. And the sun shining, appeared unto us like
the earth in extent. Then, without asking me Jatiyu dropped
to the earth. Seeing him, i at once descended from the sky
and Jat&yu was not burnt in consequence of having been
shielded by my wings. And scathed through the agitation t
I fell through the aerial way. I guessed that Jatayu fell in
Janasthina. And I myself, my wings blasted, and rendered
inert, fell on Vindhya. Deprived of my kingdom, and my
brother, and my wings, and my prowess, I wishing to put a
period to my existence, will hurl myself headlong from this
atmnit of the mountain."

SECTION LXII.

H AVING said this unto that foremost of ascetics, I smit-
ten with grief, began to weep. Thereat, after, reflecting for
a while, that reverend one said, — ''Thy wings together with
two smaller ones shall grow again ; as also thy sight, energy,
prowess and strength. And having heard of it, and also seen
it through ascetic power, 1 know that a great deed is going
to take place. There shall be a king named Da9aratha,
increaser of the Ikshw^ku race. He shall have a son, named
Rima, endowed with exceeding energy. And he (R5ma)
shall repair to the forest in company with his brother,
Lakshmana ; that one having truth for prowess, having been
commissioned to that effect by his sire. A friend named

* The passage is obscure. This is however, all the explanation that the
commentator has to give. — T.

t R4manaya comments : "the confusion seized them as the sun was midway*
They lost ail sense of direction. The faint succeeded. — T.

1 08

853 nXMAVANA.

RSvana, the lord of Rakshasas, incapable of being slain by
either the gods or the DSnavas, shall carry off his ^RSma*s)
spouse in JanasthSna. And albeit tempted by viands and
objects of enjoyment and desire, the famous and highly
virtuous one, plungreJ in grief, shall not pertake of those
things. And knowing that Videha's daughter (hath been fast-
ing for many a day), VSsava shall offer Vaidehi pdyaga like
unto ambrosia, difficult of being procured even by the gods.
Receiving that food, Maithili, knowing that it hath come from
Indra * took up a little of it from the surface, and dropped it
to the earth for Rama. Whether my husband as well as his
younger brother live, or they have attained godhead, let this
food serve for them.' Rama's envoys, having been despatch-
ed thither.t shall come hither. Thou shouldst relate unto
them all the facts connected with the queen of RSma. Do
not by any means go hence ; and in this case, whither, again,
wilt thou repair? Do thou stay here for season and place.
Thou shalt regain thy wings. I could this very day furnish
thee with wings. But, by staying here in this condition, thou
wilt be able to compass the welfare of the worlds. Even
thou shalt do that act in behalf of those sons of the king, of
the Brahmanas, of the spiritual preceptors, of the ascetics,
and of Vasava. I also am desirous of beholding the brothers,
Rama and Lakshmana. I do not wish to hold this life long.
I would renounce my life.' That Maharshi, conversant with
the nature of things, told me this.*'

* From the fact of the food not touching the earth, and other signs. It is
humorous to re<id the explanation of the commentator as to the reason of Indra't
supplying Sit^ with food. "If Sitl remained fasting, Rdvana would forego
his attachment for Vaidehi, on seeing her altered appearance ; and thus hb
destruction could not take place. Further, if he saw Sit& retaining her fofiBcr
loveliness, he could conclude that Sitd, as also Rirea, were saperhomaa
character, and that as such they could not be agents for his destruction accoid-
ing to the prophecy "Ravana shall be slain by a human being." This indodng
him to persist in his bellicose attitude towards RAma, would bring down rata
upon his head.' — T.

t For going 10 Lanka. — T.

KISHKINDHTlkJlNDA M. 859

SECTION LXIII.

H AVING praised me with these and many other words,
and bidden me adieu that one skilled in speech, entered his
own habitation. Issuing out gently from the cave of that
mountain, F, ascending Vindhya, was expecting you. Th©
space covered by the time intervening between then and
to-day is a little over an hundred years ;* and laying up in
my heart the speech of that ascetic. I have been awaiting
season and place. Setting out on his great journey, on
Ni^&kara having gone to heaven, 1 distracted with various
thoughts, have been consumed by grief.t My rising intention
of doing away with myself I have suppressed in consideration
of the words of the ascetic. The reason which he had im-
parted unto me for preserving my life, hath removed my
pains, even as a flaming fire (dispells darkness). And know-
ing the prowess of the impious Rivana, I said in rage to my
son, versed in speech, — 'Hearing her lamentation, and know-
ing themj bereft of SitS, why didst thou not deliver her?'
My son did not do this good office unto Dayaratha, influenced
by affection for him.''' As he was speaking thus in the midst
of the monkeys, his wings sprang up in presence of the
rangers of the forest. Thereupon, seeing his person furnished
with grown pinions hued like the infant sun, he experienced
incomparable raptures, and addressed the monkeys, saying, —
"By the grace of that RSLyarshi of immeasurable energy, my
wings, which had been burnt up by the rays of the sun, have
grown again. To-day I have got (back) the strength and
prowess which I possessed while my youth was yet present.
Do ye strive every way. Ye shall meet with Sita. And my
getting (back) my wings inspires (us) with confidence as to

• The commentator says "The period is one hundred and eight years." — T.
t For the loss of my plumage. — T.
% Rama and Lakshmana. — T.

S6o RhvllANA,

success.*' Having sard this unto all the monkeys, that ranger
of the sky and best of birds. SampS^ti, anxious to ascertain
his power of flight, flew up from the mountain summits.
Hearing his words, tlrose powerful monkeys, with vigour
(enhanced,\ seeing success before them, felt the height of joy.
Then those foremost of monkeys, in vigor resen>bling the
Wind, getting occasion for displaying their prowess, intent
ttpon searching the Janaka's dai>ghier, set forward towards the
tjuarter crested by Abhijit.§

SECTIOW Lxiv.

XlAViNG heard alT this related to tftemr by the vofturr-
king:, the monkeys possessing the strength of lions,(rlled wilk
delight, bounded and set up a roar. Hearing from SampStr
that R3vana was to be slain, the monkeys growing gladr
came to the ocean, with the desire of seeing Sit*. And
coming to that country, these ones prossessing dreadfu!
prowess, beheld (the sea) reflecting the image of this entire
mighty world. And arriving at tire northern side of the
Southern sen, those exceedrngly powerful heroic monkeys
took up their quarters there. And seeing the sea, here as if
asleep, there. a« if playful, and at anrother place with surges
measuring mountains ; and thronged with the foremost
DSnavas inhabiting the nether regions ; and capable of causing
one's hair to stand on end, those powerful nronkeys were
seized with sadness. And seeing the sea, incapable of being
crossed even as the sky, all the monkeys began to lament,
saying, — *'What is to be done ?" And that best of monkeys—
(Angada), seeing the army cast down because of the fight

S Abhijitdbhimukhdn (ace.) Abhijit^^the name of a star. AhJkijii ffsf
;\l90 mean — he who is to be conquered. Then the sense would be, "iIm rtfioa
in which Ravana was." — T.

KISHKINDHXkJLNDA M 86i

of Uie sea, began to comfort the monkeys, afflicted with
fear. '*\Ve should not indulge in grief. Grief is injurious. —
Grief destroys a person even as a wrathful serpent doth a
hoy. He that, when the time is come for displaying his
prowess, indulges in sorrow, j; rowing weak in energy, fails
to attain his object." That night havings passed away, Angada
in company with the monkeys, joined by the old ones, again
took counsel with them. And that monkey-host surrounding
Angada, resembled the host of Maruts environing Vasava.
Who save Vali's son (stationed) at one place and at another
HanumSLn, could be capable of stilling that force ? Then salut-
ing the elders as well as the army, the graceful Angada— *
repressor of foes — spoke words fraught with sense, — "What
person, endued with exceeding energy, shall now leap over the
main ? Who shall serve thatsubduer of enen>ics, Sugriva, ever
btent on truth ? What monkey can leap over an hundred
yoyanas ? Who shall deliver leaders of herds from a mighty
fear ? By whose favor shall we, crowned with success and
rendered happy, returning from this place, shall behold our
wives and our sons, and our homes ? By whose favor shall
we joyfully meet R3ma, and the m'rghty Lakshmana, and that
dweller in the woods, Sugriva ? If any monkey among you is
competent to bound over the deep, let him at once confer on
Qs Dakshin^ in the shape of deliverance from fear." Hearing
Angada's speech, none said anything. And that host of
monkeys wavered. Then that foremost of monkeys again
addressed those monkeys, saying, — All of you are the fore-
most of strong ones, and of steady prowess. And ye have
sprung in blameless lines, and are ever honored (by the king).
And yet no one of you can promise to undertake this
journey ? Ye best of monkeys, unfold your respective powers
in bounding."

862 RXmXVANA.

SECTION LXV.

:0:0:

EARING Angada*s speech, those foremost monkeys
one after another beg^c^n to speak, touching their respective
competence in coursinor — Gaya, and GavSLksha, and Gavayn,
and Sarabha, and Gandhamadana, and Mainda, and D\vivid;«,
and Angada, and JambavSn. And Gaya said. — "I can leap
over ten ybyanas^^ And GavSLksha said, — "I shall go twenty
yoyanasy And the monkey Sarabha said to those
monkeys, — "Ye monkeys, I shall ^o thirty yoyanas^ And
the monkey, Rhishava, said to those monkeys, — "I shall,
without doubt, go forty yoyanas!^ And the exceedingly
energetic monkey, Gandhamadana, said,— "I shall, for certain
%o {\{\.y yoyanasy And the monkey Mainda said unto the
monkeys there, — "I shall undertake to leap over sixty ^€[ytf-
nas.^^ And then the highly energetic Dwivida said, — "I shall,
for certain, ffo seventy yoyanas. And the hijjhly powerful
Sushena, possessed of strength — foremost of monkeys said —
*'I declare that in motion I am equal to eighty yoyanas.^' As
they were speaking thus, the oldest of them all, Jambavin,
saluting them, answered — "Formerly we had power of motion.
But now we h.ive waxed exceeding old. Althouj^h this is so,
yet we can not overlook this, as both R&ma and the monkey-
king (by sending us) have become sure of success. At present
do thou understand the course that is ours. I shall go ninety
yoyanas. There is no doubt whatever about this." Jambavin
said this unto those choice monkeys. But (fornr.erly) my
prowess in leaping was forsooth not such.* Of old
in the sacrifice of Virochana's son, the eternal Lord Vishnu,
when he had covered the entire universe with three steps,
was circumambulated by me. But I who was all this, have
waxed old, and my vigor sits feebly upon me. In my youth,

• /. t*. it was greater. — T.

KISHKINDHlKk NDA M. Z(^l

however, my strength was exceeding great and incomparable.
Now I can only by my own energy, course thus far. But
such a bound shall not bring success on our undertaking.
After this, saluting the mighty monkey, Jambavan, the wise
Angada spoke straight sense, saying, — •'•! can go over this
mighty hundred yoyanas ; but there is no certainty as to my
power of returning.'* Thereat, Jambavan, cognizant of speech,
said unto that foremost of monkeys, — *'0 foremost of leonine
ones, we know thy power of motion, thou art capable of
coursing a hundred thousand ^c'/^/z^i', as' well as of coming
back. But we say that even tliis is what is fit. My child,
the master must on no account be commanded by his servants.
0 foremost of monkeys, all these should be commanded
by thee. Thou art our spouse, and (at the same time) occu-
pying the position of our husband. The master is the spouse
of the army. This is the way of the world, O repressor of
foes ! O subduer of enemies, thou art the root of this busi-
ness. Therefore, my child, thou shouldest always be
maintained by us like a wife. The root of any work must
be preserved. This is the policy of those versed in business.
The root existing, all the virtues, obtaining fruit, certainly
meet with suceess. Thou, O thou having truth for prowess
art the instrument of this undertaking, and, O subduer of
enemies, furnished with sense and vigor,thou art the occasion
herein. And, O foremost of monkeys, thou art both our
superior, and our superior's son ; and resorting to thee we
are enabled to accomplish our object." Thereat that mighty
monkey, Angada, son unto VSli, answered the exceedingly
wise JambavSn, when he had spoken, — **If I go not, nor any
other powerful monkey, then we should for certain again sit
ourselves down to fast unto death. Without doing the man-
date of the intelligent lord of monkeys, we, repairing thither,
shall nut behold ourselves alive. He is extreme both in
showing favor and in anger. Disregarding his order, we shall,
going there, meet with destruction And his ire shall, not

86 ♦ RkAlXyANA.

take any other course. Therefore it behoves thee, capable
of seeing issues, to reflect." Thus addressed by Angada
that powerful and heroic monkey JambavSn answered Angada
in excellent words, saying, — **That business, O hero, shall
not moult a feather. I shall despatch even him who shall
bring about success." — Then that lieroic monkey ordered the
foremost of monkeys, the highly heroic monkey Hanuroin,
who stood apart, convinced (of the wisdom of Jambavin's
decision.)

SECTION LXVI.

mmm

LTRVEYING the monkey-host consisting of many hundreds
and thousands, — crest-fallen, JambavSLn thus spake unto
HanumSLn, — "O hero among the monkey-multitude^ 0 best
of those versed in all branches of learning, staying apart io
silent, why dost thou not speak ? O Hanum&n, thou art alike
in energy and strength, equal to Sugriva, monarch of
monkeys, and to R&ma and Lakshmana. Arishtanemi's soOi
the mighty Vainateya* famous by the cognomen of GarutroiOi
is the foremost of birds. Many a time and oft I have seea
that exceedingly powerful, mighty-armed one, endowed with
strength of will, — raise up serpents in the ocean. Th*
strength that is in his wings is equal to the might and virtue of
thy arm. Thy energy and prowess are not surpassed by his*
And thy strength, and thy understanding, thy energy, and
thy vigour, O foremost of monkeys, (is known among aO
creatures). Why dost not thou prepare thyself furnished witk
everything that is noble or great, (for this feat)? That (ofC-
most of Apsaras, — the famous Punjikathalft, more famed under
the name of AnjanSL, is the spouse of the monkey Kesarii-

* Offspring uf N'inatA, Garura's mother.— T.

KISHKINDH&KXND a AI. »65

Famed over the three worlds, and incomparable on earth^by
virtue of her beauty, by an imprecation, my son, she was
born in the monkey-race, capable of wearing shapes at her
will. Once on a time, that daughter of the high-souled lord
of monkeys, Kunjara, — endeued with youth and beauty, —
decked in a delightful garland, and clad in silk, — assum*
ing a human form, was ranging on the summit of a mountain,
resembling a mass of clouds in the rainy season. And it came
to pass that as that one of expansive eyes was standing on the
summit of the mount, the Wind gently stole away her elegant
yellow cloth with crimson skirts. And he had a siglit of her
fair and fine face, together with her well-developcd breasts.
And soon as the Wind saw that illustrious one of spacious
hips and slender waist, and whose every limb was lovely, —
he was amain overcome by desire. And all his frame
possessed by Manmatha^ and deprived of self, the Wind em-
braced that blameless one by means of his long arms. There-
at, influenced by fear, that one of excellent vows said, —
'Who is it that desireth to lay violent hands upon my
chastity f' Hearing AnjanS's words, the Wind answered, —
*I do not wrong thee, O thou of shapely hips. Let not
fear enter thy heart. As, O famous damsel, by embracing
thee, I have mentally entered into thy womb, thou shalt
bear a son, intelligent and endeued with prowess. And,
gifted with great strength, and possessing exceeding energy,
and having vast vigor, he shall equal me in bound-
ing and leaping.' Thus addressed, O mighty monkey, thy
mother, O long-armed one, O foremost of monkeys, gave
birth to thee in a cave. And in that mighty forest, thou, a
child, desirous of eating, seeing the Sun risen, and taking
him to be a fruit, sprang up and leaped into the sky. And, O
mighty monkey, going three thousand j(y/j«jj^ thou, struck by
his energy, didst not feel poverty of spirit. And, seeing thee
rushing through the heavens, O mighty monkey, Indra,
growing wroth, hurled his thunder-bolt at thee. Thereat,

109

r^i6 /^AMAyAiVA.

breaking thy left jaw, thou (didst fall) on the mountain-top.
From this circumstance, thy name hath been known as
Hannmdnr Witnessing thee beaten back, that bearer of per-
fumes lumsclf, tlie Wind, that breakcth everything before him.
in wrath did not blow through the three worlds. Thereat.all the
gods — lords of the universe — influenced by fear in conse-
quence of the triune world waxing agitated, began to pacify
the wratliful Wind. And on the Wind being mollified, Brahml
conferred on him a boon, saying,— 'O child, O thou o( true
prowess, (thy son) shall be incapable of being slain in battle
by means of weapons.' And seeing liimt sustain no
(serious) injury consequent on the impact of the thunder-bolt,
He of a thousand eyes, pleased in his soul, also conferred
on (thee) an excellent boon, O l®rd, saying, — 'Thy death shall I
take place according to thy will.' Thou, endowed with dread- J
lul vigor, art the son of Kesari by his wife j and, resembling
the Wind in energy, thou hast sprung from his loins. Thou
art the son of the Wind, my child — equal to him in the
power of lenpi ng. Now we are without our lives. And now
thou, endowed with dexterity and vigor, and like another king
of the monkeys, j art before us. On the occasion of Vishnu's
enveloping the earth with three steps, I, O child, had circum-
ambulated tlie earth with her mountains, woods and forests,
one and twenty times. Then, commissioned by the gods, we
had gathered annuals, which being cast on the deep), caused
ambrosia to come out after churning. At that time, great
was our strenr^th. But now I have grown old, and my
prowess hath left me. At present we have thee, furnished
with every virtue. Therefore, possessed of vigor, do thou
bestir thyself, and bound over (the main). Thou art the most
'iualillcd of all. Tliis entire monkey Jiost is eager to behold
tliy prowess. () redoubtable monkey, do thou arise! Do

' ILi'.iu — means //:•. llr.nunu'r-i nu-ans — Iw 'wit'i the (/r,icfiirc<f) Jav.-^T.
V ILiniim'in. — T.

: S-:^iiv.' -T.

KISHKINDHlKlJSlDAM, 867 '

thou leap over the mighty ocean. Thy motion, Hanum§n,
surpasscth that of all beings. All the monkeys are depressed.
Why, O Hanuman, dost thou overlook this ? Put forth thy
vigor, O thou endowed with mighty vehemence, like Vishnu
crossing over the tliree worlds in three steps." Exhorted by
the foremost of monkeys, that one famed for his speech, that
monkey,the offspring of the Wind-god, gladdening the monkey-
hosts, wore (a fit) shape for crossing the ocean.*

SECTI ON LXVii .

JoEEiNG that foremost of monkeys enlarge his person for

crossing over an hundred ^'^y^;/rtr^^ and suddenly filled w^ith
energy,(the monkeys) at once renounced sorrow,and, filled with
delight, set up ululations and fell to eulogizing the mighty
Hanuman. And, struck with amazement,they,(staying) all round,
joyfully gazed (at him) ; even as creatures beheld NSrayana,
when stretching forth his three steps, he prepared him-
self (for the succeeding feat). And, eulogized by them, the
wondrous mighty Hanuman increased; and, floutishing his tail
from joy, attained strength. And as, extolled by the principal
elderly monkeys, he became fraught with effulgence, his beauty
was great. As a lion fills himself with vigor in an open
cave, so the son of the Wind-god filled himself with energy.
And the face of him, as that intelligent one was filHng|himself
with force, was aflame like a frying-pan, or like unto
fumeless fire. Rising in the midst of the monkeys, Ham^mSn
with his down standing on end through joy, saluting the
aged monkeys, said, — "Wind, the friend of Fire, shattereth
mountain-summits j and, [ever blowing in the eye of the

♦ Here is another epithet of Hanuman — Pavandhnaja — son unto the Wind-
god. Left out on the score of rcdundcncy. — T.

868 RAMI r ANA.

sky, he is possessed of strength, and is of immeasurable
(might). Begot from his loins, I am the son of the
fast-coursing and high-souled Wind, coursing swiftly. I
am his equal in all these accomplishments*. I can,
without once stopping, circumambulate the extensive and
heaven-cleaving mountain, Meru, for a thousand times.
And, dashing the ocean with my arms, I can deluge
the world with its mountains, rivers and lakes. Lashed
by the force of my legs and thighs, that abode of Varuna,
the sen, out which have sprung the ferocious aquatic
animals, overleaps its continents. And for once that lord of
birds, Vinata's ofTspring, living on serpents, courseth throuj^h
the welkin, I can course throu^^h it a thousand times. And I
can touch the flaming effulgent Sun ere.beginning his joumey
from the Rising hill, he ascends the Setting hill. And, ye
foremost of monkeys, I can, fiercely rushing on, come again
without touching the earth. And I can bound beyond stars
and planets, suck up the oceans, and rive the earth. And
a monkey, I can, leaping, crush mountains ; and, leaping, I
can drain the mighty ocean dry. And, when I shall leap in
the sky, flowers from various shrubs and trees shall follow
me to-day. And then my course, flecked with flowers), shall
resemble even the sky (studded with stars). And, yc
monkeys, then all creatures shall see me,now ranging through
the profound firmament, now shooting up, and now descend-
ing 'on the other shore). Resembling MahiLmeru, me ye
shall behold, yc monkeys, making my way, covering up the
sky, as if devouring up the heavens. I shall, leaping and
concentrating my energy, scatter the clouds, shake the hills,

and Slick up the ocean. The strength of Vinat&*s son, or
the Wind-^od's, or mine, (surpasses that of every other
creature). Xonc save the sovereign of birds, or the exceedingly
mighty Wind, can follow me in flight. In the twinkling of
an eye I sljall spread through the unsupported sky, like

* I. I', pcrtiining to Icnping. — T.

KISHRINDHIkTlNDAM. 869

lightning darting from clouds. And at the time of leaping
over the ocean, my form shall resemble that of the energizing
Vishnu, when He had assumed the triune energy. I perceive
through my intelligence, (and my mental motion tallies), that
I shall behold Vaidehi. Therefore, ye monkeys, rejoice. In
vehemence like unto Garura, I shall, I conceive, go an
Ayuta yojanas, I can, suddenly summoning energy, bring
hither ambrosia from the very grasp of Vasava or BrahmS
himself.* I shall leap sheer over Lanka. Even this is my
impression." Filled with delight, the monkeys there amazed
see that foremost of monkeys, endued with immeasurable
inight,storming. And, hearing his speech capable of removing
the grief of kindred, that best of monkeys Jambavan,
transported with joy, said, — ^'O hero ! O son of Kesari ! O
offspring of the Wind ! the huge sorrow of thy kindred hath,
my child, been destroyed by thee. And these foremost of
monkeys assembled, who wish for thy welfare, shall, with
intent minds, perform acts tending to thy weal, — so that thou
mayst succeed in thy undertaking. And by the grace of the
saints, and with the permission of the aged monkeys, and by
the blessing of the superiors, do thou bound over the mighty
main. Till thou return, we shall stay on one leg.f The
lives of all these rangers of the forest shall go along with
thee." Then that tiger-like monkey said unto those rangers
of the woods, — *'None in this world would be able to sustain
my impetus in the act of bounding. Here are these summits,
firm and spacious, of this mountain, Mahendra, thronged with
crags. I shall rush forward from these summits of Mahendra,
interspersed with trees and adorned with masses of ore.
And as I leap over a hundred yojanas, these mighty summits
shall sustain my impetus." Then he equalling the Wind, that
monkey, the son of the Wind-god, pounder of enemies,

* Visava, lodra, carries celestial ambrosia, and Brahmd, that which is the
aliment in Yoga— -ox spiritual rapture. — T.

t /. e. practise austerities on thy behalf. — T.

870 RAMAyjNA.

ascended that best of mountains, Mahcndra ; covered with
various trees and flowers, furnished with swards ; ranged by
deer ; containing plants and blossoms with trees bearing
fruits and flowers daily ; havinor tigers and lions and
infuriated elephants ; swarming with maddened birds ;
and abounding with fountains. Ascending (Mahendra), that
foremost of monkeys onduued with exceeding strength, and
resembling Mahendra himself in prowess, began to range from
one mighty summit to another, 'riicrcat, hurt by the arms of
that high-soulcd one, that miorhly mountain began to cry,*
like a mighty mad elephant tormented by a lion. And water
rushed out of masses of rocks scattered around. And that
mighty mountain had its deer and elephants afflicted with
afright; and its giant trees shaken: and its spacious up-
lands deserted by various Gandharva couples engaged in
drinking and dalliance, and by birds flying away, and by
bevies of Vidyadharas ; and its huge serpents distressed, and
its clifTs and peaks toppling down. And with its serpents
hissing, with their bodies hall issuing from their holes}, the
mountain seemed as if it shone with pennons displayed. And
the heap of crags forsaken by i^aints exercised with fear
and agitation, looked doleful, like a wayfarer left in a vast
forest by his companions. And that intelligent, mngnanimous
and heroic monkev — destroyer of hostile heroes, — endowed
with speed, concentrating his soul on his enerory, mentally
went to Lanka.

* Thrunijh iiu- v-jitts .•/" //;;• crlnuiis i::'i.r\t:;jif if. — T.

!• V ' » I'll- I' '-.'III "VHTV'- W'lV^i^

VOL. V. PAETS 2V] -XX

THR

RAMAYANA

TRANSL\7Kr» INTO EnGL1«H PRCfF. FROM THE C1U(.»NAl

Saxskrii of Valmiki.

»":•.<

f^ITX13AR-A- TCAJSmjLM.

mnmi

EDITED AND PUBLISHED BY

MANMATHA NATH DUTT, M. A.

Rector t K^shub Academy,

PRINTED BY

GiRiSH Chandra Chackravarti.

Deva Press, 65 2, Beahon Sfreei'

CALCUTTA.

1892.

[Aii n^fiis reserved A

FOR THE COMPLETE ZZ"^ 1% ADVANCE 'NO--; 5 Vj PD^^-a:,

874 RXmXrAt/A.

heart upon his journey. Then having,with his face to the East,

joined his palms to his Sire, that blessed one began to attain
proportions for journeying towards the South. And sure
as the sea increases on the occasion of a Parva^ (Hanumin)
determined on his leap, experiencing exhilaration, began, in
the midst of the foremost monkeys, to increase for the behoof
of R^ma. Attaining measureless magnitude, he desirous of
crossing over the ocean, pressed the mountain with bis arms
and legs. And roughly handled by the monkey, the moontain
anon sliook for a while ; and all the blossoms showered down
from the tops of the trees. And covered all over with heaps
of fragrant flowers thrown' off from the trees, the entire
mountain wore one floral look. And afflicted by that one of
first-rate prowess, that mountain shed water^ like an elephant
in rut. And hard beset by that powerful one, the mountain
Mahendra put out the golden, silvern and coUyrium sheea
(that appertained thereto). And the mountain begaa
to cast forth huge crags containing red arsenic; and its
middle resembled smoke embosoming a sparkling flame.
And sore tormented by the monkey engaged in harassing
them, all the creatures dwelling in the caverns cried in
frightful tones. And that mighty chorus* of the creatures
consequent on the mountain's agony filled the entire
earth, all the cardinal points, and the groves. And snakes
bringing out their spacious hoods marked with blue streaks,
vomitting fierce fire, began to bite at the rocks with their
fangs. And those gigantic crags, bit at by those enraged
(snakes) of virulent venom, flamed up with fire and were
shivered unto a thousand fragments. And those medicinal
herbs that grew there, albeit endowed with the virtue of
neutralizing poison, could not tame the fierceness of the

interpret the epithet as meaning RAma. This is reading into the an thor m
sense which the passage does not plainly yeild. — T.

* Another reading is : sa mahdsaiwasantMa — The dans tf ikmt mfgkfy
creatures,— 'T

SUNDARA KlNDAM, 875

Tenom of those serpents. Then, conceiving that the mountain
was being riven by Brahma RSLkshasas, the ascetics, becom- .
ing agitated, as well as the Vidyidharas together with their
females, began to flee away. And forsaking their golden
•eats and cans on the drinking grounds, and costly vessels,
and water-pots plated with gold, and diverse suckable viands
and meats of various kinds, and bucklers of bull hides, gold-
hafted swords, — beings with wreathes on their necks,inebriate,
bearing red garlands and unguents, having red eyes resembl-
ing lotuses, flew into the firmament. And fair ones decked
in chains and bangles and Keyuras and bracelets,^ struck
with amaze, with a smile rose in the sky along with their
pafamours. And witnessing this mighty phenomenon,
Vidy&dharas and Maharshis, mounted into the sky, gazing at
the mountain. And they heard the words of spirit-pervaded
ascetics, and ChSlranas, and Siddhas, stationed in the azure
sky : ''This mountain-like Hanum&n, son of the Wind, en-
deued with exceeding vehemence, is anxious to cross over
the main— abode of Varuna. And undertaking an arduous
task in the interests of R&ma and monkeys, this one wishes
to go to the other shore of the sea hard to reach.^'
Hearing this speech of the ascetics, the VidySdharas saw
in the mountain that foremost of monkeys of immeasur-
able might. And that one resembling Are shook and bristled
bis down ; and he set up a tremendous roar resembling a
mighty (rumbling) cloud. And springing up, he lashed his
tail furnished all over with hair and folds, like the king of
birds handling a serpent. And the tail of that one endued
with exceeding impetus, bent and brandished, seemed like
a gigantic serpent carried off by Garura. And the monkey
planted his arms resembling mighty clubs, fast (on the mount-
ain); and bis waist became slender; and his legs were

* Parikdra, according to Kataka, implies excelUnce, Tirtha says it meant
hraeelett. I follow him.^T.

Sj'^ RAM Ay AN A.

contracted. And contracting his arms* and neck, tbal
graceful and powerful one summoned energy, and strength,
physical and mental. And looking at his way from a distance,
Hanuman, raising his eyes up, and fixing bis gaze at the
sky, suspended his breath in his breast. And planting bis
feet firmly, that one endowed with mighty strength, Han umSLn,
foren:ost of monkeys, contracting his ears up, sprang forward;
and that best of monkeys spoke unto the monkeys, saying,—
^'As a shaft shot by Raghava, courses like the wind, so will
I course to I^nka ruled by Ravana. And if I fail to find
Janaka's daughter in LankS, 1 shall with the self-same speed
repair to the regions of the celestials. And if I do not find
Sita in Lanka, after taking so much trouble, I shall bring
the Rakshasa king bound. Either attaining complete saccess,
I shall come hitlier (back) ; or uprooting LankSl with RAvana
in it, I shall carry it hither." Having observed this, the
monkey HanumSLn, foremost of monkeys, endowed with
speed, without pausing for thought, suddenly sprai^ «p.
And that powerful monkey deemed himself like untoSuparaa.
And as he flew up, the trees situated in that mountain, io
consequence of his violent rush, shrinking their boughs, rolled
over on all sides. And drawing up blossoming trees filled
with maddened lapwings, by the vehemence of his flight,
he coursed on in the clear sky. And those trees borne up
by the vehemence of his flight, followed the monkey for
a while, like friends following a friend that hath set out for
a far country. And pulled up by the impetus of his (rushing)
thighs, Sillas and other mighty trees followed Hanumftn,
as an army follows its monarch. And surrounded by innumer*
able trees having their tops crested with flowers, HanumSn
wearing a mountain-like appearance, was wonderful to
behold. And those trees that were more ponderous, plunged
into the salt sea, as plunged the mountains into Vanina's

* Above his shoulders. — T.

SUNDA RA KlNDA M. 877

lOde, afflicted with the fear of Mahendra.'^ And strewn
th various sprouts and buds and blossoms, the monkey
sembliDg a mass of clouds, looked lovely like a hill filled
ith glow-worms. And uprooted by the force of his rush,
ose trees^ their flowers fallen off, plunged into the sea,
ce friends returning to their homes (after having accompa-
icd their friend some way). And blown by the wind caused
r the monkey, the various variegated flowers of the trees
\ consequence of their lightness, showered down on
lie sea. And covered with heaps of fragrant flowers of
iverse hues, the monkey resembled a mass of clouds
mbellished by lines of lightning. And the waters (of
lie ocean) strewn with blossoms carried off by his motion,
ppeared like the sky garnished with charming stars (cresting
be same). And his arms stretched in the sky, seemed like
ve-hooded snakes issuing from a mountain. And he ap-
tared as if he was drinking up the mighty deep with its
lultitudes of waves, or as if that redoubtable monkey was
esirous of sucking up the sky itself. And as he coursed
\t orbit of air, his eyes flashing like lightning, resembled
vo craterst aglow on a mountain. And the eyes of that
>remost of tawny-hued ones resembled the sun and the moon
tationed in a vast yellow aureola. And beside his coppery
ose, his face looked coppery, as looks the solar disc on the
pproach of eve. And the uplifted tail of the Wind-god's
Hspring engaged in bounding, appeared beautiful in the
:y like the raised standard of Sakra. And the exceedingly
ise son of the Wind, HanumSn, having white teeth, with

• The legend is that Indra or Mahcndra — i. e. Indra the Great — once took
into his head to clip the pinnions of all the mountains. Hence the
fht— T.

t Parvatasilidvivhnalatn — like two fires on a mountain. It evidently means
> active craters io a mountain. At least this rendering, without missing
; sense, imparts a material sublimity to the passage rarely paralleled in
irature. The commentator, however, takes the word to mean forest-con-
ation. — T.

878 hXmXvana.

his tail coiled up, looked handsome like the sun with hit
disc. And on account of his waist being deeply coppery,
that mighty monkey appeared like a mountain running a
mighty torrent mixed with minerals and red chalk. And
the wind that had got into the armpits of that leonine monkej
who was crossing over the main, roareth like clouds. And
as a meteor consisting of many smaller ones, darting from
above falleth down (to the earth), rushed on that foremost
of monkeys. And then that stalwart monkey resembling
the careering sun, resembled a mad elephant fettered by
the middle, whose bulk has increased immensely. And
as he coursed above, on account of the reflection cast by
his body (on the bosom of the deep), the monkey* looked
like a bark swayed by the breeze. And wherever that mighty
monkey went about the sea, the state of things appeared to
undergo a violent convulsion owing to impetus imparted by
his body. And that mighty monkey possessed of exceeding
speed, rushed on, raising multitudes of surges on the sea
by his breast resembling rock. And the wind begot of the
monkey as well as that of the clouds, issuing out, made the
dread-sounding ocean roll violently. And pushing if
multitudes of high-heaving billows from the salt waters, that
tiger-like monkey rushed on, separating earth and beavcn.
And that one endeued with vehement speed passed Ofcr
surges in the mighty main resembling Mandara or Mem; ii
if counting themf. And the waters lashed up to the cloodl
by the force (of his speed), looked like autumnal cloodl
overspreading the sky. And then whales and alligators and
fishes and tortoises appeared plainly visible, like the perMNi
of individuals, when the cloth hath been taken off them. Aid
sea-serpents, seeing that tiger-like monkey proceeding ii
the sky, took him for Suparna himself. And the shadow of thl
leonine monkey, measuring ten yojanas in width and thii^

• Under water.— T.
t by his progress.— T.

SUNDARaKANDAM. 879

lengthi seemed the more handsome in consequence of his
eed. And that shadow resembling masses of white clouds,
ling on the salt waters and following the wind-god's son,
Kmed exceedingly beautiful. And that exceedingly energetic
ghty monkey possessed of a gigantic body, appeared
lendid in the unsupported aerial way, like a winged mount-
1. And the deep beside the course that was being
bemently pursued by that elephantine monkey, was suddenly
med into a water-course."^ And coursing through the regions
fowls like the monarch of the feathered race, Hanuman,
shing away masses of clouds, resembled the wind himself.
id collossal clouds scattered by the monkey, pale and crim-
a and blue and man^'sfha-hued, looked exceedingly lovely.
id now entering into the clouds, and now emerging from
sm, he looked like the moon, sometimes hid and sometimes
iible. And beholding that monkey engaged in bounding
th celerity, gods, Gandharbas and Danavas began to strew
^ssoms (on him). And as he was leaping^the Sun did not burn
D ^ and the Wind ministered unto him, for the success of
Ima's work. And the saints hymned his praises, as he was
ping on in the sky. And applauding the ranger of forests,
ty raised the voice of song. And nagas and Yakshas, and
rious (races oO Rakshasas, eulogized (him), on beholding
kt tiger-like monkey, Hanumin, in the act of bounding.
id HanumSLn, that lord of monkeys, being engaged in the
t of bounding, the Ocean^ wishing glory unto the race of
t Ikshw2Lkus, thought within himself, *'Truly shall I be
lined of all persons if I do not assist this lord of monkeys-—
mumSln. Reared I have been by Sagara, the foremost of the
:e of the Ikshwakus — and this monkey is their counsellor.
therefore doth not behove me to tire him out. It becometh
i to do that by which the monkey may take rest in me and,
ieved, may happily traverse the remaining way." Having

The sense is hard to hit. The commentator says,that agitated by Hanumdn's
ed, the clouds began to pour down showers on the ocean. — T. ^... ^

88o

rAaiIfaNa.

arrived at this wholesome resolution, the Ocean spake ante

that best of mountains, Mainaka, hued in gold and situate ift

the waters, saying, ''O lord, thou hast been placed here by the

king of celestials as an outer gate against the Asuras inhabit*

ing the region under the earth. Thou too, from then, bait

been waiting at this gate, unapproachable by the Asunii

rising up again and again and whose prowess is well-knowD

(unto the Lord of celestials). O mountain, thou art capabk

of expanding thyself upwards, downwards and on thy sides^

I do command thee therefore, O best of mountains, to rise up.

That best of monkeys, the energetic Hanum&o, the performer

of mighty deeds, engaged in R&ma's service, worn out with

fatigue, waiteth above thee. Beholding the exhaustion of

that leader of monkeys, it behoveth thee to rise up." Hearisg

the speech of the Ocean, the golden mountain Main&ka,

covered with tall trees and creepers, rose up instantly from

his watery bed. Like unto the Sun of bright rays rising out

of the watery expanse, he uplifted himself from the Ocean.

Being thus commanded by the Ocean, the great mountain,

covered on all sides with water, immediately brought forth

his peaks. The sky was as if cleft by these golden summiti

like unto the rising of the Sun, inhabited by Kinnaras and

large Serpents. The golden summits of that mountain beiof

thus lifted up, the dark-blue sky assumed the golden hnep

And by those highly resplendent golden peaks that best of

mountains assumed the brilliance of a thousand suns. Beholdiag

before him that up-heaved mountain in the midst of the salt

Ocean, HanumSln regarded it, <is a barrier for ayr« Likennlo

Wind dispersing clouds, that mighty monkey with great vdo-

city crushed down those up-lifted peaks w*ith his breast. Beiaf

thus crushed down by that monkey, the best of mountaiolb

being apprized of his prowess, began to shout with jof.

Thereupon, with a glad heart assuming the semblance of a

man and stationing himself upon his own summit, tkil

mountain-chief addressed Hanum&n, saying, '*0 best of

SVNDA RA KIND A AL 88 1

monkeys, forsooth hast thou been engaged in this arduous
task. Coming down on my peak do thou take rest. This
ocean was reared by one born in the family of Raghus. And
beholding thee engaged on Rama's behoof he is worshipping
thee. The best and everlasting virtue consists in returning
benefits unto one who hath benefitted us. Benton returning
benefits unto Raghu*s race, he deserveth respect from thee.
And to welcome thee properly I have been despatched by
him with the message — ^Traversing over a hundred yoyanas
this monkey hath been worn out with fatio^ue ; let him voyage
to the remaining way after resting for a while on thy summit.
Do thou therefore, O best of monkeys, remain here and take
rest. And feasting on these many fragrant and sweet fruits
and roots, O foremost of monkeys, do thou relieve thyself
of the toil and proceed. O leader of monkeys, my relation
with thee is replete with many virtues and known all over
the three worlds. O Son of Maruta, O best of monkeys, I
know thee to be the foremost of all monkeys. Even an ordi-
nary guest should be adored by him who abideth by virtue,
what of thee great as thou art ? O thou lion among monkeys,
thou art the son of Maruta, the foremost of celestials and
art his equal in speed. Thou that art conversant with virtue.
being worshipped, Maruta himself receiveth offerings. Thou
art therefore worthy of my adoration. Hearken, there is
another reason for it. O worshipful one, in olden times,
the ncountatns, gifted with wings, began to range all quarters
with velocity like unto Garuda. They moving thus, the celes-
tialsi the asceties, and all creatures became almost faint with
fear of their falling down. Highly enraged therefore, the
thonsand-eyed Deity, the performer of hundred sacrifices,
sundered with his thunderbolt, the wings of hundreds and
thousands of them. When with his thunderbolt, the Lord
of celestials, wroth, approached me, I was all on a sudden
thrown down by the high-souled Wind. O best of monkeys
I was thus cast down in this salt ocean and preserved unhurt

III

f82 RAmAYANA.

by thy ancestors having my wings hid. I shall therefore

adore thee and thou art object of my worship O M&nita!

And this my relation with thee, O foremost of monkeys, is

pregnant with many virtues. The time for returning benefits

having arrived, O high-souled one, it behoveth thee to afford

me and the ocean, satisfaction with a blessed heart. O best

of monkeys, relieve thyself of the fatigue and accept my

affectionate offerings, who am worthy of thy respect^

Happy am I to see thee." Being thus accosted by Mainlka,the

best of mountains, HanumSln, the foremost of monkeys said,

saying : — "Pleased am I and thou hast shown me enough of

hospitality. Do thou give up thy wrath.t Business wants

me to go soon and the time is well-nigh spent. Besides t

have promised that I shail not halt at any intermediate

place.'' Thereupon touching the hill with his hand that

highly energetic monkey wended, smiling, his aerial way.

Thereat the ocean and the mountain respectfully looked to-

wards him and adored and welcomed him with blessinp |

worthy of the occasion. Leaving the mountain and the

ocean and rising high up, he proceeded in the dear welkii

traversing the serial way.J Rising high up and casting bit

look down on the hill, that foremost of monkeys proceeded

by the unsupported serial track. Beholding this singularif

arduous work of HanumSLn, the ce)estials,the Siddhas ditki^

ascetics all praised him. All the celestials and others lifiBf

on its summit, were highly pleased with the mountain arrayed

in gold and having beautiful sides. And the thousand-ejed I'

Vasava was also pleased. And greatly pleased thathigUy|'

intelligent Sachi's lord, himself, addressed that best of moott"

tains having picturesque sides, saying :— ''Greatly delighted

am I, O lord of mountains, O thou having golden peaks. 'No

* For his relationship with Wind whose son was Hanum&n. — T.
t Wrath in consequence of his inability to accept his ofTcrings."— T.
X Pitupanthanam — the text means "his father's path'**— Wind beiDf
m&n's father the passage means — "asrial way."— T.

SVNDA RA KIND AM. 883

fear* I do declare unto thee. Proceedest thou therefore, at
thy ease, O gentle one ! Greatly hast thou helped HanumSn,
crossing fearlessly and unceasingly, over hundred yoyanas
to that he migh* not fall in danger. This monkoy, is going
in the interests of RSma, Da9aratha's son — and thou hast
welcomed bin to the best of thy might. Therefore I am
greatly pleased with thee." Beholding that lord of celestials
the performer or an hundred sacrifices, highly gratified, that
best of mountains attained to an excess of joy. And having
received boons (from Indra) the Mountain occupied again
its pristine place. And Hanum«ln in a short time crossed
over the main. Thereupon the celestials along with Gan-
dhanras, Siddhas and the ascetics, spake unto SurasSl the
mother of serpents, resembling the Sun, saying : — "The
highly effulgent son of Wind named Hanuman is crossing
over the main. Thou art required to throw obstacles in his
way for a while. Assuming therefore the semblance of a
terrible, grim-visaged Rakshasa, resembling a huge mountain
dud having terrible teeth and a face with coppery eyes,do thou
touch the welkin. We are anxious to learn if he defeateth
thee by some means or cometh by grief." Thus addressed the
Worshipful SurasS, having been honored by the celestials,
■leformed and horrible and capable of exciting the fear of all
beings, and obstructing HanumSin as he was coursing on,
l^td,—- "O foremost of monkeys, thou hast been ordained as
ttiy fare by the gods themselves. I will eat thee up, — do thou
enter my mouth. Even this is the boon that was conferred on
He by the Deity." Having delivered herself thus speedily,
the opening her mouth wide, stood before the son of the
lrind-|5pd." Thus accosted by Surasa, (Hanuman) with a
flad countenance, said, — **Rama, son unto Da9aratha, had
entered the Dandaka forest in company with his brother,
^kshmana, and his wife, Vaidehi. He having created
ostility with the Rakshasas, his illustrious wife, SitS, while
e was engrossed in some work, was carried away by RSvana.

884 RlMlVANA.

At RSma's command, I go to her as his envoy. It behoretb
thee, living in (Raima's) dominions, to lend him thy help.
Or having seen Mithil&*s daughter, as well as Rftma of
untiring deeds, I will enter thy mouth. This I promise thee
truly." Thus addressed by Hanumftn, SurasS, capable of
wearing forms at will, said, — **None shall pass me withoat
beinar devoured by me, — even this hi the boon IhaC I have
received." Then seeing him go away, the mother of the
NSgas, Surasa, derious of essaying the strength of Hanuxn&n,
spoke. **0 best of monkeys, thou shalt have to go, to^y,
after entering my mouth. Even this is the boon that was
conferred on me by the Deity.'' Having said this swiftly,
she extending her capacious mouth wide, stood in front of
the wind-god's son. Thus addressed by Suras3, that fore*
most of monkeys, waxing wroth, said, — '*Extend thy mouth so,
that thou mayst contain mc." Having said this unto SurasS,
having her mouth measuring ten yoyanas^ HftnumSin enlarged
himself as many yoyanas Thereat-Surasft enlarged her month
t\stxi\.y yoyanas. And beholding her* extended mouth wilhft
long tongue, wondrous dreadful, like unto hill itself, and re-
sembling clouds, measuring twenty yoyanas^ the intelligeBt
son of the wind-god, Hanumdn, enlarged, made himseK
measure thirty yoyanas. Threat, Surasft, extended her
mouth forty yoyanas^ and thereupon the heroic Hanumin
attained the altitude of fifty ^'^?>'/7;i<rj. And Surasft enlarged
her mouth sixty yoyanas ; and the heroic HanumSn aooD
heightened himself seventy yoyanas. And Surasd widened
her mouth f^x^hiy yoyanas \ and HanumSn like unto Fire
raised himself ninety yoyanas. And Surasd enlarged her
mouth nn hundred /(T)'^;!/?^. Thereat diminishing his person
like unto a cloud, the wind-god's son at that moment
measured one thumb only. Then entering her month and
coming out of it, that exceedingly powerful and graceful

* Tat dristwd — Seeing" this, occurs twice in this passage, I mdvit

OAce only. — T.

SUHDARaKANDAM, 885

one, stationing himself in the sky spoke thus. "O des-'
Cendant of Daksha, I have entered into thy mouth. I
bow down unto thee. I will repair to where Vaidehi is. Thy
boon hath proved true. Seeing him out of her mouth like
the Moon out of the mouth of Rahu, the venerable Surasd
spoke unto the monkey in her native form, saying, — *'For
compassing thy end, go, O foremost of monkeys, O mild
one, at thine ease. And bringing unto Vaidehi tidings
touching the high-souled RSghava do thou meet her."
Witnessing that third act* of HanumSn's hard to perform,
all beings extolled the monkey exclaming, ''Excellent !
Excellent !" Then he, resembling the wind in rush, arrived
at the irrepressible ocean — abode of Varuna — went on, enve-
loping the welkin, on the aerial way, visited by showers,
rannfed by fowls and Gandharbas, graced by the iris ; embelli-
shed by shining vehicles rolling on, drawn by lions, or
elephants, or tigers, or bird-serpents; presided over by
eminently pious and righteous persons who have won
the regions of heaven ; and therefore appearing as if
adorned by the (five) Fires; of the touch of Agant or Vayra ;
(ever) served by Fire bearing sacrificial oblations; garnished
by planets and stars and astral luminaries, and the Sun
and the Moon ; thronged with Maharshis, and Gandharbas
and Nftgas, and Yakhas ; and pure, and speckless ; — the
support of the universe — inhabited by Vi^wavasu ; lorded
over by the elephants of the king of the celestials ; the
orbit of the Sun and Moon, endowed with auspiciousness
constituting the canopy of this live world ; blameless ; and
made by BrahmSL ; crowded with countless heroes, and
VidySldharas. And the wind-god's son HanumSn, scattering
clouds like the very Wind himself, coursed on in the aerial
way like Garuda. And mighty clouds, hued like Kald$ruru\

^ The third feat, remarks Ram&nuya, is Hanuman's issuing oat of Swrasl's
moatb. The preceding two are not mentioned. — T.
t A kind of alco or agallochum. — Wils(m.~^T.

886 RlMlrANA.

red, and yellow and sable, on being dispersed by the monkey,
burst into brilliance. And again and again entering into
the clouds and emerging out of them, he resembled the Moon
during the rains now entering (into clouds) and now issuing
out of them. And everywhere HanumSin, son unto the wind-
god coursing through the unsupported sky» looked like
the monarch of mountains furnished with wings. And it
came to pass that beholding him in the act of bounding, a
Kakshasi named SinhikSL, of great age, and capable of wea-
ring forms at will, thou^i^ht within herself, — "Today after a
long lapse of time I shall have my fare. This mighty creature
hath after a long time come within my power." Having
thought thus in her mind, she seized (HanumSin's) shadow.*
On his shadow being secured, the monkey reflected,— "As
a mighty bark is retarded in its course in the sea by
adverse wind, have I, my prowess paralysed, been suddenly
obstructed in my career." Then looking above and below
and sideways, the monkey saw a mighty creature arisen
from the salt waters. And seeing that one of a distorted
countenace, the wind-god's son thought, — "This one is,
without doubt, the creature of wonderful form, possessed of
exceeding prowess, — given to securing its prey by means
of its shadow, — which had been described by the monkey-king.
And concluding her to be Sinhikft from her act,t the intelli-
gent monkey attaining a gigantic body, increased himself,
like a mass of clouds during the rains. And seeing the
enlarged body of the mighty monkey, she extended her
mouth measuring the sky and the nether regions. And roar-
ing like unto a mass of cl6uds,she rushed against the monkey.
Thereat, that intelligent and mighty monkey marked her
deformed and huge mouth, her body and its asticulated mem-
bers. And the redoubtable monkey hard as the thunderbolt,

* Brahm!! had conferred on her a boon that she should secure her prey bj
pulling at it by means of its shadoir.-^T.
t I. e. of securing hU shadow. — 7*.

SUNDARAKlNDAM. 887

jcontracting himself in a moment, threw himself into her
mouth. And the Siddhas and Charanas saw him sink in her
mouthi as the full Moon is taken by Rahu during a Parva. —
Then tearing her limits by means of his sharp claws, the
monkey, endowed with the celerity of thought, vehemently
sprang forward. Then slaying her by his acuteness of
stght^ endurance and skill, that heroic, self-controlled monkey
again began to swell himself amain. Her heart having been
crushed out by Hanumin, she, rendered lifeless, fell into
the water. The self-create had created him for compassing
her destruction. And seeing Sinhika speedily slain by the
monkey, and fallen, creatures ranging the sky addressed
that foremost of monkeys, saying, — **Terrible is the deed
that thou hast performed to day. Mighty was the creature
that hath been slaughtered by thee. Compass thou thine
wisbed-for end without let, O foremost of monkeys. He, O
chief of monkeys, that, like thee, is endowed with endurance,
sharp sightedness, sense, and ability, doth not feel depressed
in action.'' Honored hy these and wished well as to his
purpose, that monkey, worthy of being honored, set out,
enveloping the sky, like him that subsisteth on serpents.^
And it came to pass that as he h^d almost arrived at the
other shore (of the ocean), he looking about on all sides at
the end of an hundred yoyanas saw a range of woods. And
as he went on. that best of monkeys saw an island decked
with diverse trees, and groves pertaining Malaya. And he
surveyed the sea, and lands bordering thereon, and trees
growing on the sea shore, and the countenances of the
spouses of the Sea, And surveying his own person resem-
bling a mighty mass of clouds, and as if closing up the sky,
that self-possessed one ascertained his course of action.^'
Soon as the R^kshasas shall behold my enlarged body and
the vehemence of my motion, they shall be seized with
curiosity concerning me." Thus thought that magnanimous

* Garada.

838 RiMAFANA.

one. Thereat diminishing that person of his resembling a
mountain, that self-possessed one, purged of ignorancei resum-
ed his natural shape. And diminishing that form into the
smallest compass, Hanuman remained in his native form,
like that depriver of VHIi's prowess, Hari, after he had placed
his three steps. And thus wearing various graceful forms,
that one, acting after reflection, having come to the other
shore of the ocean incapable of being reached by others,—
on looking over his (immensely magnified person), reduced
his body ^to its former size). And that high-souled one
resembling a cloudy pavilion, alighted on the (foremost)
summit of the splendid mountain, Samva ; crested with
picturesque peaks ; and abounding in keiakas, udddlakas and
cocoanuts. And reaching the shore of the sea, and beholding
Lanka on the top of that foremost of mountains, the monkey,
renouncing his native form, fell on that mountain, agitating
birds and beasts. And having by main force bounded over
the ocean heaving with surges, and rife with DSnavas and
Panagas, he alighting on the shore of the mighty main, be-
held Lanka like unto Amaravati.

SUNDA RAKlNDAM. 889

SECTION liv

JlLaving crossed over the ocean incapable ot being
epressed, that one endowed with great strength, staying at
be plateau of Chitrakuta, and having refreshed himseifi cast
lis eyes on Lanka. And covered with showers of blossoms
lOured down by the trees, that monkey possessed of prowess
hen appeared there like Pushpamaya * And having cleared
ji hundred yoyanas^ that monkey gifted with first-rate
irowess, did not heave sighs or feel any fatigue. ''I am
ompetent to bound over many hundreds of yojanas. What
ben is this end of the ocean measuring an hundred yojanas
>nly ?*' And that foremost of those endowed with energy
nd the prime of monkeys, — gifted with speed, went to
^nk3l,t having crossed over the mighty main. And seeing
»Iue lawns, and perfumed woods, replete with honey and filled
nth mountains, he held his way by the central thoroughfare.
ind that foremost of monkeys, the energetic HanumSn, went
»y hills filled with trees, and ranges of blossoming woods.
Ind stationing himself in that mountain, the offspring of the
Vind-god beheld woods and groves and Lanka established
t the brow of the mountain. And that elephant of a monkey
urveyed Saralas, and Karnikdras, and dates in full flower,
^iydlas, Muchulindas, Kutajas and Ketakas^ Piyangus
rarm with aroma, and Nipas, and Saptachchhadas ; Asanas,
Coviddras, and flowering Karaviras^ and trees bearing
lossoms, filled with swans and Kdrandavas, and covered
fith lotuses and lilies ; and charming sporting hills :( and
arious watery expanses ; and extensive tracts covered

• A monkey so named. — T.

f Descending, remarks the comentator, from the mountain-summit.— T.
X sporting hills according to Kataka, According to others, dkrira means a
ove in general.— -T.

112

tgo RlMlVANA,

with diverse trees bearing flowers and fruits at all seasons,
and gardens exceedingly beautiful to behold. And drawing
TH^ar unto Lanka embellished with lilies and environed by
a moat tilled with l>>tiises, that one graced with auspicious-
ness, thai graceful monkey, HanuinSln, beheld LankS vigilantly
guarded by R§vana, in consequence of Sili having been
carried away, — with R&kshasas bearing fierce bows ranging
all around, — that mighty and captivating capital surrounded
by a golden wall, filled with edifices resembling cliffs and
looking like autumnal clouds, and elevated yellowish high-
ways ; abounding in hundreds of banners mounted on the
walls, and beautified with pennons and streamers \ with noble
golden gateways painted with plants ; and resembling the
metropolis of the very sovereign of the celestials. And that
graceful monkey saw Lanki situated on the top of the
mountain, filled with splendid yellow-white palaces, like unto
a city stationed in the sky : ruled by the lord of RSkshasas
and reared by Vi9wakarma himself. And the monkey, Hana-
man, beheld Lanki, as if moving in the sky : with her walls
furnished with daises for her hips, the immense waters and
woods for her cloth, Sataghnis and darts for her hair-ends :
and pennons on her walls for ear-rings, — built as if by the
agency of the Mind ; and constructed by Vi9wakarmS himself.
And arriving at the Northern gate resembling the mansion
of Kaila^a, and cleaving, as it were, the welkin, and as if
holding the firmament with lofty and glorious edifices, and
observing the sea ; his dreadful enemy, Rivana ; the city
teeming with poisonous snakes, — as well as the method of
defence (displayed in it) — the monkey reflected, — "Even if
the monkeys came here, they should fail to achieve success;
for Lank^ is incapable of being taken in battle by the celes-
tials themselves. Even if the mighty-armed RSgliava should
reach this terrible-looking and impregnable Lank& reared hy
Ravana,what could he do ? Opportunity find I none either for
conciliation with the R&kshasas, or for (winning themoTer)bj

SUN DA RA KTlND AM. 891

gifts, or for sowing dissensions among them, or for conquer*
ing them in fight. Of all the monkeys, four only endowed
with (exceptional) celerity, — viz., Villi's son, Nila, the
intelligent king, and myself, have the power to come over
here. When I have ascertained whether Vaidehi is alive
or not, I shall, after interviewing Janaka's daughter, think
about this.*' Then that elephantine monkey, stationed on
the summit of that mountain, for a while bethought himself
as to the success of Rama."^ ''I cannot in this form succeed
in entering the city of the R^kshasas, guarded by wily and
powerful RSlkshasas. I should, while engaged in searching
for JUnaki, deceive all the strong and highly energetic
R&kshasas gifted with prowess. For attaining this mighty
object, it behoveth me to enter LankH at night in a shape
invisible yet well suited to the end in view." And beholding
the city in that state, difficult of being subdued by the
celestials and Asuras (combined), HanumSin, sighing moment-
arily, thought within himself, — "How can I, without being
discovered by the impious lord of RSikshasas, Rivana,
succeed in seeing Janaka's daughter, Maithili ? How can
the work of RSlma cognizant of self (be so managed
that it) may not be brought to naught ? How can I see
Janaka's daughter singly in secret ? Actions on the very
eve of success, on being obstructed by adverse season
and place, and through the agency of unreflecting envoys,
come to nought, even as darkness is dispelled on sun-
rise. And in respect of what should be undertaken
and what not, even the certain decision (of a master assisted
by his counsellors), because of a heedless messenger,
doth not appear in all its beauty : messengers (foolish) yet
proud of their knowledge, bring every business to nought.
How can I so manage that my business may not suffer?
How can I avoid recklessness ? How can my bounding over
the deep bear fruit ? On my being seen by the RSikshasas,

* About rescuing his wife. — ^T.

9^2 RImAFANA,

the work of RSima cognizant of self, desilrous of the destruc-
tion of R^vana, shall be marred. Even if I wear a RSkshasa
form, I cannot anywhere remain undiscovered by the
R^kshasas. What shall I say of any other form ? Even the
>vind, I conceive., doth not stray here, unperceived. Nothiof;
whatever is here that is unknown to the Rftkshasas of
redoubtable deeds. Should f stay here embodied in my
native form, I shall come by destruction ; and the interest
also of my master shall suffer. Therefore, diminishing myself,
I shall at night, for compassing the welfare of Rftghava,
enter LankSL in my own form. Entering at night RSvana's
capital difficult of access, I shall, obtaining entry into every
dwelling seek Janaka's daughter.'' Having made up his
mind thus, the heroic HanumSin, extremely eager to see
Vaidehi, wished for the setting of the sun. On the shd
having set, at night the Wind-god's son, contracting
his person, reducing himself to the dimensions of a cat,
became wonderful to behold. And at dtisk, the powerfd
Hanuman, springing up, entered the charming city of LanU
with its well divided highways ; furnished with rows of
edifices having golden pillars, and n et- works,— reserablisg
the metropolis of the Gandharbas. And he saw that splendid
city containing seven-storied and eight*storied edifices,
studded with crystal and adorned with gold. And the
dwellings of the Rikshasas were embellished with these
(ornaments). And graceful golden gateways belonging to
the RSikshasas everywhere lent splendour unto Laokl
adorned all over. Beholding Lankib, wonderful and of
inconceivable loveliness, the mighty monkey, desirous of
beholding Vaidehi, became depressed and delighted at the
same time. And he (entered LankS) engarlanded with yeDov
edifices joined together, with the ornamented arches of hcr
gateways furnished with nets of precious gold ; famed (sB
over the world) ; ruled by the arm of RSvana, and Tigilaady
guarded by night-rangers of dreadful strength. And tf

SUNDARAKANDAM. 893

if ministering unto him,* the Moon furnished with many
thousands of rays arose with the stars in the midst of the sky,
spreading lunar light over all creatures. And that heroic
monkey beheld the Moon possessing the sheen of a conch,
and hued like milk or the lotus-stalk, arisen and afloat (in
the welkin), like a swan swimming in a tank.

SECTI ON III.

.iV-SSUMiNG the quality of goodness and energy on
mount Lamva furnished with elevated summits, and re-
sembling long masses of clouds, HanumSn, son unto the
Wind-god capable of concluding in harmony with season,
possessed of exceeding strength — ^an elephant among
monkeys — entered LankSi by night, affluent with charm-
ing woods and waters — the city governed by RSlvana ;
beautified with edifices resembling autumnal clouds ; sound-
ing like unto Vita pa vatit herself — with infuriated elephants
(stationed) at her graceful gateways ; containing white gates
with ornamented arches ; resembling the handsome Bhogavati
inhabited and protected by serpents. And suddenly coming
to that (city) resembling AmarSvati, scattered with clouds
charged with lightning, having hosts of luminaries, and
tumultuous with the roars of blustering blasts, — girt round
by a mighty golden wall, — ringing with the tinklings of tiny
bells ; and embellished with pennons, — he growing exceedingly
exhilarated, made towards the wall. And beholding the city
all round, furnished with golden doors ; having quadrangular
courts composed of lapises ; ornamented with plastered
jeweled pavements studded with all gems, crystals, and
pearls ; with mad elephants lof burnished gold and speckless

• Hanum&n.— T.

t Alakft, the city ef Kuvera, King of Yakshas.*— T.

894 HXMlrANA.

white silver; with stairs of Iapises,-^(door$) devoid of doit
with their centres composed of crystal and with stately halb;
elegant, — and adjoining mansions seeming as if reaching up
to the heavens; resounding with Kraunchas and peacocks; fre-
quented by swans ; and everywhere resonant with the soundi
of trumpets and ornaments. And then beholding the city
Lanka, resembling VaswokasSira,''^ and appearing to mount to
the welkin, the monkey HanumSln was filled with rapture.
And seeing the delightful, divine and prosperous city of
Lanka belonging to the lord of Rflkshasas, that one endowed
with prowess thought within himself,— "This city protected
by the forces of R^vana with their hands holding upraised
arms, is incapable of being forcibly subdued by any other.
This place can be easily entered by Kumuda, and Angada, as
well as by that mighty monkey, Sushena ; and also by Mainda
and Dwivida. And there is way also for the offspring of
the Sun, and that monkey, Ku^aparva, as well as of that
foremost of monkeys, Rikshya, and myself." And haviog
witnessed the prowess of RSghava, as well as the vigor of
Lakshmana, the monkey was filled with joy. And that
redoubtable monkey beheld the metropolis of the monarch of
the RSLkshasas; having for her cloth the sea; for herpendaotfi
cow-stalls and stables ; for her breasts, turrets mounted on
the walls for discharging missils, — decked out like a damsd;
with her darkness dispelled by bright lights and the mightj
planets. And as he was entering, that tiger-like mighty
monkey son unto the Wind-god was met by the city in htf
native shape. And seeing that best of monkeys, Lanki, ruled
by RSvana, arising of herself with her countenance rendered
deformed, stood before the heroic son of the Wind ; and,
emitting a tremendous roar, addressed the offspring of the
Wind god, saying, — ''O thou that hast the woods for thy boae^
who art thou ? And on what errand hast thou come hither?
Tell me while yet thou hast thy vital powers left in thee.

^ Alakl.

SUNDARAKXNDAM, 895

0 monkey^ for certain thou art unable to obtain entry into
this Lank2l| protected by the forces of Ravana, and carefully
guarded on all sides." Thereat, the heroic Hanuman spoke
unto her staying in front of him, — ^'I shall tell thee all about
that anent which thou questionest me. Who art thou that
having deformed eyes stayest at the gate of this city ? And
what for, O frightful one, dost thou rail at me in wrath ?"
Hearing Hanumln's speechi Lanka, capable of wearing
forms at will, waxing wroth addressed the Wind-god's
offspring, saying,— ''1, who am incapable of being repressed,
abiding by the mandate of the high-souled sovereign of the
RlLkshasas, protect this city. Thou art unable to enter this
city, passing me by. Thou shalt to-day, losing thy life
and slain by me, sleep (the sleep of death). O monkey,

1 am ibe City of Lankil myself. I every way guard (^all
that is here.''; Hearing Lanka's words, Hanuman, son
unto the Wind-god, — foremost of monkeys — exerting him-
self (to secure victory), stood like another hill. And seeing
her appear in the form of a deformed female, that foremost
and best of monkeys endeued with intelligence, possessed
of prowess, said, — *•! will behold the city of Lanka, crowned
with turrets, walls and ornamented arches, it is for this
that I have come here. Great is my curiosity. I come for-
sooth to see the woods and groves and gardens of LankSl here,
—as well as her principal edifices." Hearing these words of
his, Lank2l capable of wearing forms at will, again addressed
him in a speech fraught with disonant letters : *'0 thou of
perverse understanding, O worst of monkeys, without (in the
hrst instance) vanquishing me, thou canst not to-day behold
this city ruled by the monarch of the K^kshasas." Thereat
that tiger of a monkey said unto that female ranger of the
nighty-^-^'After seeing this city, O gentle one, i shall go away
even as I have come." Thereupon, setting up a mighty and
terrible roar,Lauka filled with vehemence, struck at Hanuman
with her palm. And that tiger-like monkey, the energetic

896 RlAllFANA.

offspring of the wind-god, on being lustily struck by Lankl,
emitted a tremendous roar. And (HanumSn) fastened the
fingers of his left hand into a box, and transported with ragei
dealt it unto her. And considering that she was a female,
he did not give way to excessive wrath. And struck at (by
Hanumin\ that ranger of the night, of a deformed face, her
body overcome, suddenly dropped to the earth. And the
energetic and heroic HanumSln, seeing her measure her
length, — in consideration of her being a female, was filled
with compassion. Thereat, exceedingly agitated, LanU
addressed the monkey, HanumSin, in humble wordSj with
their letters faltering, — '*0 mighty-armed one, be propitious
unto me ! Do thou save me, O best of monkeys, O placid one.
Those that are gifted with strength and are endeued with
exceeding vigor, ever bear regard unto the dignity of the
scriptures. By thy prowess, O monkey, hast thou, O heroi
O thou gifted with wondrous strength, vanquished me myself
who am the City of LankSL. Listen to this narration, which Ji
O foremost of monkeys, deliver unto thee ; as to bow the
self-create Himself conferred a boon on me.' When a certiia
monkey shall by his prowess, bring thee under his sway, thei
shalt thou understand that a fear is come unto the Rftkshatti^*
And that time, O placid one, hath come unto me, in conse-
quence of my meeting with thee. The truth ordained by the
self-create knoweth no turning. The destruction of the
unrighteous king RSLvana together with all the R&kshasas,
hath come about in consequence of SitI (having been carried
away;. Therefore, O best of monkeys, do thou enter the
city ruled by Ravana ; and accomplish such tasks as lho«
wishest to. Entering this splendid city lying under an im-
precation, governed by the chief of the R&kshasas, do thmi
at thy will happily repairing cverywhere,search lor the chaiU
daughter of Janaka."

SUN DA RA KA NDA J/. 897

SECTION IV.

JlLaviNG by his vigor vanquished the excellent City of
Lankft capable of wearing forms at will, that exceedingly
energetic foremost of monkeys, HanumSn, eudeued with
prodigious prowess, leaped sheer over a wall, where door-
iray there was none ; and that elephantine monkey gifted
with great strength entered LankSL by night. And entering
:he city of LankI, that one (ever) compassing the welfare
\i the monkey-kin^, set his left foot on the heads of his
oes.* And entering in by night, the offspring of the
(Vind-god furnished with strength, proceeded along the
bigh-way strewn with blossoms. And the monkey held his
uray in the charming city of Lanka, resounding with grateful
lounds mixed with laughter, and ringing with trumpet
blasts. And with multitudes of mansions marked with the
:hunderbolt and the hook, and adorned with diamond win-
lows, the charming metropolis looked splendid, like the
Mrelkin with clouds. And then Lanka, with handsome and
variegated mansions of RSLkshasas, resembling white clouds
and arranged like lotus-leaves ; and adorned on all sides with
Itructures superscribed 'Vardham^na/ shone forth in all its
glory. And that jj;raceful one serving in the interests of the
king of monkeys, ranging for Rama's behoof, beheld (Lanka)
adorned with variegated wreaths ; and was highly delighted.
And moving from house to house, that foremost of monkeys
observed on all sides various dwellings of diverse forms and

* The literal meaning is that, leaping over the wall, Hanum&n Brst set his
left foot on the hostile soil ; and this act of his, as tending to the discomfiture
Df the foe, is looked upon by the author in the light of Hanum&n setting his left
l^Ql on the heads of the Rlkshasas. The setting of the left foot on an enemy's
lominioQf, is considered by the scriptures as very inauspicious. — T.

113

898 rXmIfaNa.

color, and heard charming songs chanted in the three ocUfes*
by damsels maddened with amoufi resembling celestial
Apsaras. And he also heard the jinglings of zones and the
clash of bangles ; and sounds of footsteps on stairs of edi&cei
belonging to high-souled ones ; and sounds proceeding from
clapping hands; and the roaring of lions here and there. And
(fianuman) heard there in the mansions of the Rakshas, Mmm»
tras recited by persons en imaged therein, and those occupied is
Vaidika studies. And (Hanum&n) saw goblins and Rftkshasas
storming and eulogizing RSvana ; and mighty swarms of
Rakshas stationed, covering the highway. And in the
central courtyard, he found innumerable spies of the Rikshasa
(R^vana), some initiated, some bearing matted locks, some
with their heads shaven, and some clad in cow-skins, some
in cloths and some going stark naked ; and (he found there
persons) carrying liandfuls of darhha for their weapons, and
(having) the sacrificial fire-place for their arms ;and those bear*
ing in their hands clubs and concealed weapons,t or holdiog
rods as tlieir arms, or having a single eye or a single com-
plexion,| or having a single breast dangling down ; and tboie
looking dreadful with uneven attire ;§ and dwarfs frightful to
behold ; and bowmen ; and swordsmen ; and (warriors) cany-
ing sataghnis and clubs for their arms ; those bearinc
excellent parighas in their hands, or blazing in cnriooi
mail; persons not exceedingly fat, or exceedingly leas;
not unduly tall, or unduly short ; not extremely fair, or
extremely dark \ not unduly crooked, or unduly dwarfiik;
and those deformed, or many-formed, or endowed witk

* The three octaves referred to are Mandra or the base tODe,
or the m'uMle tone, and TVfra or the high tone. These constitate the <
diapason of Hindu Music. — T.

t A'M/a. The commentator says the word stands for a putiealarkiilrf
weapons. Wilson has concealed 'weapon for its English equivalent,"— T.

t The same complexion gives sense. But I render the passage litMallj'.-*T»

^ Bhugnzvastrhn. — Perhaps the text is corrupt. Bhugna9mkirkm—^mmM4\
deformed faces — would render sense. — T.

SUNDARAKlNDAM. 899

beauty, or possessing spkndour ; standard bearers ; and
mg bearers. And (Hanuman) saw also various weapons ;
"^d those having for their arms darts and vrikshas, or
bearing patttgas and asanis^ or having Kshepants^ and
aooses in their hands, saw that mighty monkey, or wearing
wreaths, or having their persons daubed with pastes, or
adorned with noble ornaments, or clad in various kinds of
raiment; and many a one ranging wherever he listed ;
and those holding sharpened javelins; and mighty ones
bearing Vajras\ and hundreds and thousands of warriors
^rrisoned in the central courtyard and engaged in vigilantly
guarding the interior, — having been directed by the lord
of the Rakshas, — saw the monkey. And having seen that
edifice situated in front of the inner appartment, that
mighty monkey saw the famous mansion of the RSlkshasa
chief, pinnacled on the mountain-top, with huge golden
arches over the gateway ; surrounded by a moat enriched
with pale lotuses ; and completely guarded by a wall \
resembling heaven itself ; magnificent; resonant with grate-
ful sounds; resounding with the neighing of horses and
wondrous steeds; and adorned with cars and vehicles, chariots
and dainty horse: elephantst; and four-tusked elephants
resembling masses of white clouds ; — and possessing graceful
gateways. And the monkey entered the palace protected
by the RfLkshasa chief, — guarded by maddened beasts and
birds, and thousands of goblins endowed with exceeding
great prowess. And he (Hanuman) entered Havana's inner
apartment girt round with a wall consisting of blazing gold
and Jdmvunada ;t having its top decorated with costly gems
and pearls ; and worshipped with excellent black Aguru
and sandal.

• A short arrow thrown from the hand, or shot through a Hibe. WiIson.'>^T.

t Elephants of the size of horses. — T.

X Jdmwunada is a kind of gold having sixteen diverse colon---'''

^oo j^ Am Ay AN A.

SECTION V

.iV.ND as if ministeringr unto him (HanumSn), arose the
many thousand-rayed Moon in the nnidst of the stars, enfold-
ingf all creatures with his luminous canopy. And that highly
heroic monkey beheld the Moon hued like the sheen of conchy
or milk, or lotus-stalk, arisen and afloat (in the heavens),—
like a swan swimming in a pool. And that intelligent one
from the earth beheld the Moon arrive at the mid*beaTeos ;
momentarily beaming out in lunar light; appearing (splendid)
as if in conjunction with the Sun himself,— and like a ball
loitering in his stall. And he saw the mild*rayed (Moon),
chasing away the remorse of all ; swelling the sea ; aod
displaying all creatures, — att<iin the middle of the sky. Aod
that Lakshmi who on earth remains on Mandara, at eve is
the sea, and on the lotus on water, looked exceedingly loTciy,
stationed beside the charming Moon. Like a swan in a silrer
cage, like a lion in a cave in Mandara, like a hero on a haughty
elephant, appeared the Moon in the middle of the sky. And
with (the mark of) the horn.''^ the Moon resembled a sharp*
horned bull, or a mighty whitehued hill with towerini;
summits, or an elephant with his horns plated with goU.
And, with his dirt composed of particles of cool water
removed ; and the darkness dispelled in consequence of the
vicinity of the mij^hty planet ;t and with his spots appearing
clear because of his shining appearance, appeared (the hare*
marked % worshipful Moon in full splendour. And like a lion on
coming out of his cavern,or a lordly elephant on entering into
the thick of a mighty encounter, or a monarch on obtaining
a kingdom, — appeared the Moon in full splendour. And now

* The sun. It is a planet in Hindu cosmogony.— T.

t The spots arc fabled as the marks of hares on the lap of the Mooa.^'T.

SUNDA RAKXNDA M. 901

appeared the revered Mid-night, chasing away darkness with
the Moon displayed, — when flesh-eating (Rakshasas) lend
full liberty to their vicious appetite for flesh ; and when
disputes between lovers cease,* — and which bringeth down
heaven itself.t The sounds of strings sweet unto the ear
spread around ; females sleep beside their husbands ; and
night-rangers, given to astounding afid terrible acts, are, in the
same way, out, indulging in their sports. And the intelligent
monkey saw mansions crowded with (RSLkshasas), some in-
ebriate with wine and others with wealth ; and abounding in
cars and horses and golden seats ; and fraught with the grace
got of heroism. And (RSkshasas) were parleying, — moving
about their plump arms, — railing at each other ; and throwing
intemperate speeches at each other. And (Hanumln saw)
RSLkshasas striking at their chests (by way of challenge),
sinking on the persons of their beloved, wearing diverse
habiliments, or stretching their tough bows. And (he) saw
debonair damsels daubing their frames with pastes ; and
others, again,sleeping, — and fair-faced wenches smiling, — and
others sighing hard under the influence of anger. And with
gigantic elephants roaring, (the place), honored by pious
persons, — with its heroes heaving sighsj — looked exceeding-
ly beautiful like a lake in which serpents are sighing forth.
And in that apartment (Hanuman) saw persons of commanding
understandings, § endowed with a soft tongue, — instinct with
the spirit of reverence — ^the foremost men of all this world, —
and bearing euphonious appelations,and clad in diverse attires.
And beholding those well-formed people, whose conduct was
of apiece with their many virtues, (Hanuman) rejoiced exceed-

• «. e. in consequence of sleep. — T.

t A beautiful characterization of sleep, reminding one powerfully of
•'Macbeth hath murdered sleep," &c. — T.

X \n expectation of an access of warriors. — ^T.

$ Accordii^ to the commentator, Vxtddhipradhdndn mt^ns persons possess-
ing many virtues, I differ from him. — ^T.

90t i(XMXFANA.

ingly. And he saw some having beautiful forms ; and oihtn
deformed, — and both possessed of splendour. And (Hanumio)
saw there their wives worthy of noble ornaments and endow*
ed with eminent beauty ; of spotless character ; possessing
^reat potency; like unto stars in point of excellency of coo-
duct, — displayingr side-glances and other tokens of dalliance,
— engaged in dear drinking. And at dead of night HanumSn
saw some females blazing in beauty,affected simultaneously with
bashfulness and bliss, on being embraced by their pan-
n:ours, like birds embracing their mates. And the sensible
HanumSn saw there other females seated in stately halls,—
lying in happiness on the laps of their lovers,— -beloved of
their lords — intent on virtue, — married women, — under the
influence of Madana. And HanumSn saw some without
sheets, like unto golden streaks,— paragons among women—
of the hue of molten gold,— and some of a mo^on-like com*
plexion, endeued with loveliness,— bereft of their beloved.
And that exceedingly heroic monkey saw females in their
homes experiencing the height of joy in the company of their
beloved dear unto their souls; charming with blossoms;
filled with gladness ; and enchaining the hearts of their loids
with their loveliness. And HanumSn saw crowds of faces
like unto tlie Moon displayed, — with elegant eyes Fumiihed
with lovely lashes, and side-long looks; and multitudes oi
ornaments resembling beautiful lines of lightning. Bot
HanumSn saw not SitS, of the highest lineage,*-ever
abiding by the way of righteousness ; born in a roftl
line, — like unto a delightful and well-begot plant,-*
of a slender frame, — sprung from the mind (of Brahml liin-
selO ; established on the eternal road (of chastity) ; haviof
her gaze fixed on RSma; always engrossed in the cootem*
plation of RSLma, — the mind itself of her lord,— who had
entered through and through into the heart of her grtcefo!
lord, — ever superior to all other women; oppressed with
the grief of separation ; and having her throat afHicted with

SUN DA RA KXNDA M. 9^3

the vapour of grief \ who formerly had her throat graced
with that best of ornaments — the nishka -y of excellent eye-
lashes ; having a mellifluous voice; like unto a peahen ranging
in the woods; (now) like unto an indistinct lunar linings
or a streak of gold covered with dust, or the color of a
sore-scari or a gold-leaf broken off by the wind. And not
finding, (after so long a search) the Sita of the lord of men, —
the spouse of R&ma; best of those skilled in speech the
monkey, deeming himself as having suddenly lost his skill in
search, was overwhelmed with sadness.

SECTION VI.

yl\ ENDING about at will on the roofs of seven-storied
edifices, that monkey capable of assuming any form that he
chose, began to range Lanka with speed. And (at length)
that auspicious one arrived at the mansion of the Rakshasa
chief, surrounded by a shining wall hued like the Sun ;
protected by terrible Rakshasas, like a mighty forest by lions.
And as that foremost of monkeys saw the mansion, with
fretted arches plated with silver and embellished with gold, —
beautifully abounding in splendid courts and gateways ;
containing elephant-drivers, and heroes knowing no fatigue ;
ever coursed by irrisistible steeds drawing cars, and curious
vehicles, Y:overed over with skins of lions and tigers, resound-
ing with bells hung thereon, and embosoming effigies of
ivory, gold and silver, — the locality of mighty cars, and the
home of mighty car-warriors; filled all around with many
thousands of divers beauteous and dainty birds and beasts; well
protected by meek Raksha warders at the outskirts ; throng-
ed about with magnificent dames of the first order ;
containing gems of joyous damsels — the abode of the
foremost Rakshasas-^sounding like the sea with the sounds

904 RAjiJlrANA.

of superb ornaments ; affluent with regal insignia and
excellent sandals ; crowded with mighty ones, like a vast
forest with lions ; reasonant with trumpets and drums ; and
ringing with the blares of conchs ; where the ever adored
offspring of the Parvas was always worshipped by the
Rakshasas \ solemn like the sea ; and resounding like the
ocean itself, — the miglity mansion of the high-souled(R&vana);
clad in costly jewels j scattered with precious gems— as that
mighty monkey beheld (Ravana's residence), he set about
searching for Sita.* And that mighty monkey concluded. "Tliis
is the ornament of LankS. bodied forth beautifully to the view,
covered with elephants, steeds and chariots." And llicrc
in the vicinity of Ravana's mansion,t Hanum&n began to
range the dwellings of the Rakshasas from one to another,
as well as all the gardens (located there). And without
experiencing any agitation, he observing (everything), ranged
the palaces. Then that one endowed with wondrous motion,
with a bound entered Prahasta's palace ; and then with
another,that (monkey) possessed of energy entered the abode
of MahapSr^wa. Then that mighty monkey entered into
the abode of Kumbhakarna, resembling a mass of clouds ;
and thereafter that of Vibhishana ; and then that of Mabo-
dara, and then that of VirupSksha 5 and then the abode of
Vidyujjibha, and then that of VidyunmSlS ; — ^and then that
mighty monkey with a bound entered into the abode of
Vahudanshtra. And then that leader of monkey-bands
gifted with great speed leapt into the abode of ouka, and
next into that of the intelligent Sarana, and next into that
of Indrajit. And that foremost of monkeys went to the
mansion of Jambumala, and of Sum&la, — and (then) to

* The syntactical co-herencc is, as is natural in so colossal a senteacc,
grievously loose here. I have, however, tried my best to sapplj the Imeunm
in the passage. — T

t R&m.'inuja says that Hauuman began to range the dvtelUngM mh^ui the
wall environins Rdvand's mansion. — T, *

SUi\DARa/CANDAM. 905

the abode of Rashmiketu, and Suryyasachu. And (next)
that powerful monkey leapt into the mansion of VajrakSya ;
and (next) the Wind-god's offspring entered the house
of Dhumr&ksha, and ( next ) that of SampSti, and the
grim Vidyudrupa, and Phana, and Vighana, and Suka-
n&bhai and Chakra, and Satha, and Kapatha, and Hraswa-
karna, and Danshtra, and the RSlkshasa Lomasa, and
Yudhyonmatta, and Matta, and the horseman, Dhwaja-
griva, and of Vidyujjibha and Vijibha, and of Hastimukha,
and of Karila, and Vi^ala, and of Sonitaksha. The illustrious
offspring of the Wind, HanumSn, one after another, leapt
into all these noble edifices. And that redoubtable monkey
observed the affluence of all these (Rakshasas; possessed
of prosperity. And having bounded over the mansions of
all situated around, that one blessed with auspiciousness,
at length came to the very mansion of the monarch of the
Rakshasas. And that tiger-like monkey— the best of his
species — ranging around, saw Rakshasis of frightful eyes,
alternately mounting sentry over the couch of R5vana —
bearing darts and maces in their hands, and equipped with
javelins and clubs. And (there) in the residence of that
lord of the Rakshasas, he beheld various bands of Rakshasis,
as well as Rakshasas of gigantic frames, upraising various
kinds of weapons ; and steeds of exceeding fleelness, red,
and white, and black ; and first-rate elephants, possessed of
eminent grace, capable of crusJiing hostile elephants, and
well trained in arts relative to their species — like Airavata
himself in conflict.. And there in that mansion he saw (all
these elephants), destroyers of hostile hosts — like unto pour-
ing clouds, or hills, sending up fountains, rumbling like
unto clouds, and invincible in battle by foes. And that
monkey, son unto the Wind-god, saw in the mansion of the
lord of Rakshasas, RSLvana, hosts by thousands ; and cars
of various forms of glittering gold, furnished all over with
golden net-works, resembling the risen sun ; and graceful

114

9o6 RlAllrANA.

grots ; and picture galleries ; and sporting saloonSi mount-
ains composed of wood,^ captivating structures dedicated to
dalliance, and dwellings for day-dalliance,t — saw he in the
mansion of the Rdkshasa monarch. And he beheld that charm-
ing mansion resembling Mandara, filled with places for pea-
cocks]:; thronged with pennons and flagstafis, — a very mine
of countless gems, — a field of treasures spread around, — where
persons of intrepid calmness were engaged in acts tending to
the safety of the treasures, — resembling the mansion herself
of Kuvera. And on account of the lustre shed by the
gems, as well as the energy of RSvana himself, that mansion
appeared splendid like the ray-furnished Sun in all his glory.
And the chief of monkey-bands saw bed-steads and seats
of gold and white vessels. And Hanum&n entered the
mighty mansion, containing clay formed by Madha^ aod
Asava;\{ filled with gemmed cans; charming; free from
impediments ; resembling the mansion herself of KAma,— like
the abode of Kuvera, — resonant with the sounds of bangles aod
the tinklings of zones, as well as with the beat of mridan^i-
hides and other eloquent musical instruments ; with palaces
close on each other ; thronged with hundreds of females (like
unto) jewels ; and containing capacious enclosures.

* Designed for sport. — T.

t The conception of day-dalliance met with in Vidya Sundara of BhAnti
Chandra Roy, the Bengali poet, is found to have first originated with VU*
miki. — T.

X Sportive peacocks.

$ Spirituous liquor distilled from the blocsoms of the Bmssw /«#(/Wm*
According to some, a spirit distilled from grapes.— T.

!l Spirit distilled ftom sugar or molasses.— T.

SUNDARAKXNDAM. 907

SECTION VM

.ND that one endowed with strength saw that row of
ructures fitted up with golden windows, studded with lapis
eulis, and containing birds ; like unto a mass of clouds in

season of great rains, crowned with lightning, and fraught
ith fowls. And he saw various structures close to one
other, to which excellent conchs/arms and bows lent lustre;

well as huge and splendid towers belonging to edifices
sembling mountains. And the monkey beheld mansions,
tasuring various kinds of wealth, which were held in regard

both gods and Asuras, — devoid of every defect ; and
lich had been won (by R&vana) through his own might."^
id (HanumSn) saw the mansions of the lord of LankS,
:ated in strict conformity with aesthetic laws, — appearing as
they had been constructed by Maya himself, — which had
the earth beneath every excellence. And then he
w the mansion of the lord of Rakshas himself, surpassing
t best structures ; like unto a mass of towering clouds ;
ptivating ; boasting of a beauteous golden appearance ;
►rthy of his own power, — and of incomparable loveli-
ss ; appearing as if the celestial regions had drop-
d down on the earth ; blazing in beauty ; teeming with
untless gems ; like unto the brow of a mountain strewn
th ihe, blossoms and the dust thereof of various trees ; and
imined by the foremost females, — appearing like a mass

clouds containing lightning, or the witching welkin
-nished with grace, afloat with excellent swans. And
anum&n) saw the car variegated with countless gems ; like
to the top of a mountain variegated with innumerable
itals ; or like the firmament garnished with the moon and the

* SwavaUndrjitam, — Another meaning is : {mansiom) into which Hanum4n
%d entry through his own might.— 'T.

90S RAAJAFAJVA.

planets, — or like clouds of diverse hues fused into a Iiomo-
geneous whole. The place in the car designed as the seat of
Ihe many, was filled with rows of hills ;* its hills were filled
with trees ; its trees were filled with flowers ; and (finally) its
flowers were filled with leaves and filaments. And (in it),
where white mansions were reared, there were tanks filled
with fair flowers ; and lotuses furnished with filaments ; and
picturesque woods ; and liquid lapses. And the mighty
monkey beheld there the great chariot going after the name
of Pushpa^ appearing beautiful, wheeling round in the splen-
dour of the gems — which had surpassed even the cars pertain*
ing to the abodes of the celestials. And (in that car) were
birds made of lapis iazulis ; and (other) birds composed of
silver and coral ; and variegated serpents made of various
precious metals; and fair-bodied steeds resembling those of
superior breeds ; and there were constructed birds having
graceful mouths ; and fair, tapering, playful and contracted
plumagre, bearing blossoms made of coral and ^old,— liketmto
the very plumage of Kama himself. And there were elephants
possessed of graceful trunks, bearing fillaments ; and with
their trunks bearing lotus leaves, — engaged (in shovrerinf;
water on Lakshmi) ; as well as the goddess, made with fair
arms, seated on a pool with a lotus in her hand. Thus enter-
ing that graceful mansion, like unto a mountain containing
charming caverns, (HanumSn) was seized with wonderment.
And once again (entering that charming mansion). like unto
a taking and fragrant tree during spring furnished with holes,
Ilanuman was seized with wonderment. Then rangini^
by bounds that honored city ruled by the arms of the Ten-
faced one, he, not finding the highly regarded and extremely
distressed daughter of Janaka, who had won over her grief
by contemplating the virtues of her lord. — (was affected wilb
sorrow). And, not seeing Janaka's daughter, then the heart
of that high-souled one, honored for his charact<^r by the

* Composed of gold and gems. — T.

SUNDA RA KlNDA M, 909

world, of schooled self, ever ranging by the way chim-
i with morality, and having the scriptures for his eye-
— as he ranged about, — was oppressed with grief.

SECTION Vlll .

•:0:0:'

PAYING in that mansion, that intelligent monkey, the
ing of the Wind-god, beheld that splendid aerial car,
eous with excellent jewels, and furnished with windows
rnished gold. And the car, embellished with transcend-
^ beautiful figures, — belauded by Vi^wakarma himself
nstituting the acme (of his art), — which, mounting the
1, looked like a mark of the Sun's orbit, — appeared
ndent. And there was nothing in that car which was
ade skilfully ; — nothing- that did not look like a precious
(sprung spontaneously on its person), — and the style
yed in its various parts surpassed anything that could
und in the cars of the celestials themselves, — and every-
in that car was executed in the highest style of excel-
— (that car) obtained (by RSvana) in virtue of prowess
y from asceticism and contemplation (of the Deity) ;
le of repairing wherever (the owner) wished to wend ;
ying various kinds of constructive skill ; composed of
ials procured from diverse sources, — such as were worthy
celestial car ; fleet-coursing in consonance with the
»f its master ; incapable of being approached ;* equal
the wind in celerity; the source of happiness unto
ious, high-souled, and pious ones — possessors of
; fineless't and high rapture ; coursing through the
lent in a variety of ways, — the congeries of all wonderful

the impious. Another reading is duravaram — incapable of being
>d by the enemy. — T.

9IO RiA/AFANA.

thingrs,— adorned with ranges of chambers ; captivating to the
mind ; stainless as the autumnal Moon ; furnished with splendid
summits, like the crest of a mountain ; which was borne by
rangers of the night, griven to mighty meals, ranginf^ the
sky, with faces graced with ear-rings ; and by thousands of
ghosts possessed of terrible speed, having expansive, winkless
and rolling eyes. That heroic first of monkeys saw that
excellent car, beauteous with vernal blossoms, — fairer than
the month of spring and furnished with flowers.

SECTION IX.

0;0

ND located within that excellent mansion, HanumiQi
son unto the Wind-god, saw a superior and grand structure,
stainless and spacious ; half a yojana in width and one io
length, — belonging to the lord of the RSkshasas, and abouod-
ing with many a palace. And searching f or Videha's daughtefi
the large eyed SitSi, that slayer of enemies, HanumSn, ranged
all through (this edifice). And HanumSn beheld the goodly
edifice where the RJikshasas used to dwell in coinmoo.
And (at length) that one came upon the mansion itself o(
the lord of RSLkshasas, having three-tusked and four-tusked
elephants, and protected by persons with upraised armSi
and covering a capacious area. And (Hftnuman beheld) tk
residence of R&vana, thronged with his Rftkshasi wives.
as well as with princesses forcibly brought thither (by him),—
like unto the sea teeming with alligators and makaras^AiQM^
ing in timingiias and fishes and snakes, and agitated bf
the force of the wind. The same enchanting splendour Ihtf
is in Vai9ravana or the ray-riding Moon, remained ever
constant and abiding in RSvana's abode. And the pro^
perity of king Kuvera, or Yama, or Varuna, was here piuut
in the house of the Raksha, — or even surpassed .by the pne*

SUNDA RA KXNDAM. 9 1 1

perity (of Ravana). In the midst of that mansion the
Wind-god's offspring found another,^ excellently constructed,
having innumerable mad elephants ; — that noble car embell-
ished with all gems, entitled Pushpaka, which had been
constructed in heaven by Vi9wakarm2L for BrahmS himself,—
which Kuvera obtained from the Great-father through high
austerities, — and which, vanquishing Kuvera by his prowess,
the RSkshasa chief got possession of. And the mighty monkey
ascended the splendid car Pushpaka, containing figures of
-wolves, — made of Kirttaswara and Hiranya ; graced with
ranges of goodly pillars ; as if blazing in splendour; through-
out (garnished with narrow secret rooms and saloons, piercing
the heavens, and resembling Meru or Mandara, and like unto
the flaming Sun ; skilfully reared by Vi^wakarma ; with
golden staircases and graceful and grand raised seats, rows of
golden and crystal windows, and daises composed of sapphires,
emeralds and other superb gems ; embellished with noble
vidrumaSf costly stones, and round pearls, as also with
plastered terraces; pasted with red sandal, like unto gold,
and furnished with a sacred aroma; and resembling the sun
new risen. And stationed thereon,t Hanuman smelt the rich
odour of viands and drinks that was spreading on all sides ; —
and like one dear friend smelling another, he also smelt
the mighty Air, impregnated with aroma, which seemed like
embodied Odour. And (the Air) said unto HanumSn, — **Come
here, where that R&vana is." Then (descending form Push-
paka and repairing to that sleeping apartment of RSvana),
Hanum&n saw the same, grand and graceful ; belonging to
RSLvaua ; of transcendent beauty ; comely like unto a lovely
lady ; diversified with jewelled staircases ; illumined with heaps
of gems ; with its terraces constructed of crystal ; having

• Tht car Push^aka, according to Tirtha, whose view is accepted by
Rimdnoja. According to Kataka, Vesma ^means a bedchamber of husband
and mife.-^T,

t I. r. on Pasbpaka.— T.

913 RAHJAYANA.

statues of ivory, pearls, diamonds, coral, silver and gold ;
adorned with jewelled pillars; and embellished all round with
pillasters ; and upheld on all sides by straight, elevated and
gorgeously ornamented pillars of equal dimensions, resem-
bling prodigious wings, — (the mansion) appearing to tower
to the sky ; containing spacious and parti-colored woolen
cloths bearing the marks of the Earth**^ ; extensive as the
Earth is, with kingdoms and dwellings ; resounding with the
roars of infuriated elephants ; redolent of divine fragrance;
furnished with gay canopies ; inhabited by the sovereign oi
the Rakshas ; cloudy with aguru and dhupa \ spotless ;
of a swan-like whiteness ; engarlanded with flowers ami
leaves like unto the dappled and brilliant cow (of Vasishtha) ;
bringing delight unto the heart ; and enhancing the grace
(of all creatures); removing sorrow ; noble; and the generatrix
of Grace herself. And as soon as Hanumftn entered the
mansion protected by RSvana, it like a mother regaled his
senses with their proper objects. '*This must be swarga^ or
the region of the immortals, or the city of Amar&vati, or the
supreme Siddhi — "t thought the Wind-god's offspring. And
he saw the golden lamps (shorn of their brightness},} like
unto gamblers worsted at dice by others exceedingly skilful,
and, in consequence, plunged in thought. And (Hanum&n)
conceived that (Ravana's sleeping apartment) was in a
conflagration, on account of the display of the lamps,
RSlvana's energy, and the splendour of the ornaments. And
when the night had been half spent, (HanumSn) saw thousands
of superb dames, adorned in various attires, and bearing
apparels of diverse hues, and wreaths,— who having gi«*»
up sport, and come under the influence of wine and sleep,*"

* i. e. four-cornered, The Earlh, in Mindu cosmogony, is a flat
havin^f four corners. — T.

t S'atarga is the region where persons reap the fruit of JjrotislitOBa, ^
Siddhi is Illusion spread by Gandharbas. — T.

t By the superior splendour of Ravana. — T.

SVNDA RA KIND A M. ^i 3

nrere fast asleep on woolen sheets. And in consequence of
the silence that reigned (in that apartment) embellished
with (ornaments), it resen)bled a large lotus-grove, where
the swans and the black bees are silent. And the Wind-god's
offspring beheld the countenances of those beauteous women,
with closed eyes, — having their lashes shut through languor >
and odorous with lotus-perfume. And their faces appeared
like lotuses blowing on the expiry of night and closinjt
their petals by night. '*These lotus-faces like unto very lotuses
themselves, ever the six-footed ones* seek once and again."
Thus thought with discrimination the graceful, mighty
monkey ; and on account of their perfections, he confessed
those countenances to be equal to waler-sprungt (lotuses).
And that apartment, in consequence of being graced by
those women,appeared splendid, like theautumnal,complarent
sky decorated with the stars. And surrounded by them,
the Rikshasa chief resembled the fair Moon encircled by
the stars. "Those stars that drop from the firmament on
their virtue deteriorating, have assembled here in a body,"
thus thought the monkey at that time. And the shine, form,
and splendour of those females resembled, forsooth those
of magnificently displayed, noble and lustrous stars. And
CD account of their having been bereft of consciousness
through sleep, induced by fatigue brought on by drink (and
dance), their hair was dishevelled, and their full wreaths
and goodly ornaments lay scattered about. And some
of those paragons had got their beauty-spots, smudged ; and
some, their bangles loosening off; some, their chains running
to one side. And others had their pearl necklaces burst, —
and their cloths getting away (from their persons), and the
chains of their zones straying irregularly ; — resembling way-
worn mares. And others again were without their ear-rings,
and had their garlands torn and crushed ; and resembled

♦ Shatpada — six-footed — a name of the black bee. — T.
t Salilodbhavas, — water-sprung — a name of the lotus. — T.

914 RlMlYANA.

blossoming creepers, trodden down in a vast forest by mighty
elephants. And the pearl chains of some shining females re*
sembling moon beams, having got topsy-turvy, was lying like
sleeping swans between the breasts of the damsels. And the
lapis chains of some resembled water-crows ;* and the fioe
golden chains turned upside down of others appeared like niddjr
geese. And those ladies resembled rivers having hips
for banks; containing swans and K&randavas, and beautified
with ruddy geese. And those sleeping females appeared
like streams ^ having Kinkinis for their ripples ; and large
gold lotusest ; marks} of amorous encounter on their persoDS
for ferocious aquatic animals ; and perfections,^ for their
banks. And on the tender frames, as well as on the tops
of the breasts, of some graceful scratches consequent on
pressure, appeared like ornaments. And the scarf-ends of
some stirred by the air that was blowing about their faces,
flapped on them again and again. And at the nether part
of the faces of Rivana's wives, they (the scarf-ends)appeared
beauteous like uplifted streamers of exceeding elegance,
composed of many-hued golden yarn. And the ear-rings
of some dames possessed of a pleasant sheen, stirred by
the air that was breathing about their faces, were undulating
gently. And the sweet breath of their faces, naturally
fragrant, and redolent of sugar and dsava^ was then r^aling
R2lvana. And out of fear sprung from sleep and intoxication,
some of Havana's wives were again and again smelling the
faces of those, co-wives with them, taking the faces to
belong to RSvana. And from their hearts being firmly
fixed on RSivana, those excellent women, having their sense

* A'atfamva— a drake ; or, according to some, a teal; a gaoder; or the
species gallinula porphyria. — T.

t i.e. the faces of the females are meant. Another meaning is, gold ftt Imwgt
ioiusci. — T.

I Vildsa may also mean arch displays by way of coquetry. — T,

f JViw, according to some, here means grace, — T,

of separateness removed, (albeit thus dealt with), did what
was dear unto them. * And other females, making
their gay scarf-«4ids (for their sheets), and making their
arms, their pillows, were lying down there. And some were
lying on others' bosoms ;* and others again, on the arms of
the latter. And some lay on the laps of others ; and
others, again, on the breasts of the latter. And they reposed
on each other's thighs, flanks, waists, and backs ; and
coming under the influence of wine and amour, they lay
on each other's persons. And those females having elegant
waists, receiving pleasure from the contact with others'
persons, were sleeping there, with their hands fastened by
each other. And that garland of females strung by the threads
of their hands, appeared beauteous, like a real wreath strung
on a thread, with maddened black bees (seated thereon).
And that multitude of females in a medley appeared like au
assemblage of blooming plants in the month of ChaitraJ with
its wreaths formed in consequence of their coming in contact
with one another, and of its clusters touching each other,
o« account oi the breeze blowing ; — with the plants encir-
cling the graceful (necks of the trees), — and rife with
Bhramaras chasing each other. — And although the ornaments
5f those women wearing ornaments, attires and wreaths,
were put on proper places ; yet (on account of the profusion
of the ornaments themselves^ as well as because of the cir-
cumstance of the dames' sleeping>,tit was difficult to ascertain
which ornament belonged to one damsel and which to another.
And it seemed as if, Rivana having attained rest (through

* The seose is very imperspicuous only by reason of the unskilful use of
:lie pronouns. The damsels kissed did not resent the etci ; but kissed the kissers
n turn. — T,

t March-April.

X In consequence also, remarks the comraenta^or, of the uniformity running
broogh the ornaments, as well as of the close contact of the persons of the
idics.— T.

^i6 RAM A y Air A.

sleep), the flaming golden lamps furnished with various rajrir,
were gazing at the girls with wtnkless eyes. Daugliters of
Rajarshis, of Vipras, of Daityas, of Gandharbas. and of
Rakshasas, having come under the influence of desire, had
become his wives. And all those women had been procured
by Ravana because he sought fight (with their relations)
and some haughty dames, rapt with desire, had of themselves
come to this place. And there was no woman there, who
had been won by force by (RSLvana), possessed as he was of
prowess ; but they had all been subdued by his qualities.
And save the surpassingly worthy daughter of Janaka, no
female (had been brought), who had set her heart on another,
or who had known any other before. And there was none
who, being his wife, was not of high extraction ; none who
was defective in grace ; none who was not of sterling merit ;
none who was not decked out in ornaments and attire ; and
none who was infirm ; and none who was not an object of
desire of her lover. And the lord of monkeys endowed with
uprightness of sense, thought, — "If the righteously wedded
wife of Raghava were as one of the wives of the V\n^ of the
Rakshasas, it would well for him." Again reflected he,—
"Sita is crowned with chastity and other virtues ; and the
powerful lord of Lanka, assuming an illusory form, hath
with much ado perpetrated this ignominious act."

SECTi:ON X.

J^ND there HanumSn employed in looking around, saw
a grand dais made of crystal j and embellished with jewels;
comparable to one belonging to the celestial regions; furnish-
ed with superb and costly sofas, having their parts painted
and composed of ivory, gold, and lapis lazulis ; with higUf
precious canopies. At one place thereof he saw a white

SUNDARAKANDAM. 917

umbrella, adorned with beautiful wreaths, resembling the
lord of the stars himself. And Hanuman saw a splendid
sofa garnished with gold, bearing garlands of agoka blos-
soms,— flaming like fire ; around which persons kept waving
with their hands chowris furnished with hair* ; rife with
perfumes of various kinds ; odorous with rich dhiipa, spread
with excellent sheets ; covered with the skins of rams ;
and decked on all sides with chaplets of gorgeous flowers.
And that excellent and mighty monkey beheld therein the
heroic sovereign of the RSkshasas, RSlvana, resembling a
mass of clouds ; with flaming and brilliant ear-rings ; having
reddened eyes ; of gigantic arms ; wearing a cloth composed
of golden threads ; his person daubed with fragrant red
sandal ; looking like a crimson cloud at eve fraugrht with
lightning ; covered with noble ornaments ; endowed with
eminent grace ; capable of wearing forms at will ; resembling
Mandara affluent with trees and woods and shrubs ; — sleeping,
laving given up sport at night ; adorned with elegant orna-
ments ; dear unto the daughters of the RJlkshasas,— the
source of happiness unto RSLkshasas ; — who had ceased from
drinking, — asleep on a shining bedstead, — and respiring like a
(kissing) serpent.t And reaching there, HanumSn, waxing
^ndrous agitated, shrank back, as if in fear. And then arriv-
JBgf at the staircase, the mighty monkey, stationing himself on
d dais in the middle of the stairs, gazed at the inebriate,
R&kshasa, resembling a tiger. And as the sovereign of the
l^&kshasas was sleeping, his graceful bed resembled a grand
cascade, beside which stands an elephant breathing odour.
And Hanum2Ln saw the arms of the huge-bodied lord
tf Rikshasas, fastened with bracelets, — stretched (there),—
^ike unto the banners of Indra ; which had been wounded

• The coBimentator throws out a conjecture that artificial figures are here
ftieaot; which mechanically performed the function herein assigned to them. — T.

t The commentator, however, interprets : like an elephant. Serpent is, I
Wcy, a happy reoderin|[ of n^ga. — T.

9i8 RlMlYANA.

by the tuskends of Airavata, whose plump parts bad been
riven by vajra ; and which had been torn by the discus of
Vishnu ; well developed ; having equal and ele|tant parts ;'
with hard joints ; fraught with strength ; with thumbs having
nails bearing auspicious marks; having rings (on the fingers);
covered ; formed like bludgeons ; round ; resembling the trunks
of elephants ; cast on the white bed like unto five-hooded
serpents ; smeared and adorned with cool, fragrant, and
excellent sandal resembling the blood of hares ; pressed
by paragons ; odorous with incense ; resisting (in battle)
Yakshas, and Pannagas, Gandharbas, gods and DAoavas ;
and the monkey saw his arms resting on the bed, like
unto two beautiful and mighty serpents sleeping in the
entrails of Mandara. And with both those well developed
arms of his, the lord of RSlkshasas resembling a liill, looked
handsome like Mandara with its summits. And breath
bearing the aroma of the mangoe, and the PannSgUt the
sweet scent of the Vakula^ the savour of viands frtnght
with the six kinds of tastes, and the perfume of wines, cane
out of the mighty mouth of the sovereign of the Rikshasas,
filling, as it were^ that entire chamber. And (Hanumin) be-
held (Ravana), with his countenance, aglow with ear-ringi
and decked with a golden diadem embellished with pearis
and jewels; daubed with red sandal; and adorned irith;
an elegant chain ; having a large, broad, and full-developed
breast ; with a white silken cloth on, falling off his petson;
furnished with blood-red eyes ; covered with costly yellow
sheets ; appearing like a mass of unrighteousness ; breathing
like a serpent, or an elephant asleep in the mighty Gaagl
during the rains ; — four lamps set on the golden pQais
illumining four sides ; even as lightnings display the entilt
surface of a mass of clouds. (And Hanumftn) also saw ii
the mansion of the Raksha chief, the wives of that hiige>
bodied *one dear unto his wives,— lying at his feet. And
that protector of monkey-bands saw them, having coontea*

SUNDARAKlNDAM. 919

ances resembling the Moon displayed ; decked out with
elegant ear-rings ; bearing unfading garlands'*^ by way of
ornamentation ; lying on the arms and lap of the lord of the
Rakshas. And the monkey saw women bearing noble
ornaments, — lying down. And he saw golden bracelets and
ear-rings at the nether ends of the women's ears, — set with
diamonds and lapises. And with their fair countenances
resembling the Moon, graced with comely ear-rings, that
terrace looked beautiful, like the welkin embellished with
stars. The slender-waisted wives of the sovereign of the
R&kshasas, overcome with languor consequent on drink and
amorous encounter, were fast asleep at the very places where
they were seated. And another transcendentally beautiful
damsel possessed of lovely limbs, skilled in dance, was fast
asleep, betraying comely movements (during sleep). And an-
other was seen asleep, embracing a vindf — like a lotus with
&>preading petals, resting by the side of a raft. And another
dark-eyed wench was asleep with her mudduka^ on her lap,
like a loving mother having a boy. Another damsel possessed
of graceful limbs and a shapely bust, was lying down,
hugging her kettle-drum, — like a woman embracing her
lover, obtained after a long time. And one lotus-eyed female
was asleep, embracing her vind ; like an amorous damsel
hugging her fair paramour. And another girl of res-
trained self, given to dancing, had come under the sway
of sleep, embracing her vipanchiX like a female sleep*
ing with her lover. And another having inebriate eyes,
was fast asleep, embracing her mridanga with her
charming, plump, and tender limbs, resembling gold.
Another female of faultless features, endeued with a slender
frame, having been overcome by lassitude consequent on
drink, was asleep,with her /^/2^z^/7 on the ends of her lower

* I. e. ceUstial females. — T.

t A kind of musical instrument. — T.

X A kind of Vind.-^r.

9^0 RAjUli'ANA.

garment, held fast with her hands. Another woman was
sleeping soundly, t-mbracing her dindima^ wilh another
bound at her back ; like a female taking both her lover
and her child. Another damsel having eyes resembling lolus-
petals, having come under the influence of liquor, was asleep,
firmly holding her aramvara^ with her hands. Another
woman, intoxicated by wine, was discovered asleep, wilh her
water-vessel upset; and, in consequence, appearing like a well-
washed variegated wreath in spring. Another, coming under
the masterdom of slumber, was sleeping, holding wilh lier
hands her twin breasts resembling golden jars. And another
lotus-eyed and moon-faced fair one, coming under the govern-
ance of slumber, (was asleep), embracing another furnished
with shapely hips. And eminently beautiful dames were
asleep, embracing musical instruments ; like wenches press*
ing lustful (lovers), with their breasts. And that monkey savv
that lady, endeued with beauty, lying down apart in aa
excellent bed; adorned with ornaments containing pearls and
jewels; and as if decorating that charming mansion wilh
her grace. And the monkey saw there the yellow-hued
Mandodari, having the splendour of gold; the object of
(RSivana's) desire; beautiful exceedingly, — the mistress of the
inner apartment, — lying down. And seeing ^Mandodari)
adorned wilh ornaments, the offspring of the Wtnd*god
guessed, — '*This one endowed with the wealth of youth and
beauty might be SitH.* And demonstrating great joy, that
leader of monkey-bands rejoiced exceedingly. And thereat,
(iianum&n) struck at his arms with his hands, kissed his tail.
exhibited signs of glee, frolicked, sang, darted towards the
pillars, shot up to the top thereof, and jumped down to tlie
earth, — manifesting his monkey-nature.

* A kind of musical instrument. — T.
t A kind of musical instrument. — ^T.

SCA DA Ka KANDA M. 921

SECTION XI.

jLheN resigning that line of thought,* tliat mighty
monkey, regaining liis equanimity, set out in another direc-
tion of thout^ht touching SitSi. '^Separated from RSima, that
lady is incapablcf of bleeping, or eating, or decorating
(her person}, or drinking. And she is incapable of asso-
ciating with any other person, although he were the
sovereign of the celestials himself. And even in all heaven
there is none who is equal to RSLma. She is some other."
As^urin^ himself of this, that foremost of monkeys, eager to
behold Sit&, again began to range in that place set apart
for drinking. Some were tired out with sporting; some with
singing; some with dancing ; and some were fast asleep
through intoxication. And some supported themselves on
murajaSf mridangaSy or chelikas ; and some women w ere
sleeping on eSccellent sheets. And that leader of monkey-
bands saw (that place of drinking) filled with thousands of
women, adorned with ornaments engaged (in their sleep)
in depicting each other's loveliness; and explaining the sense
of songs; conversant with season and place; under-
standing the meanings of words chiming in with season ami
place X ; and skilful at play. And at other places aUo he
saw thousands of superb and youthful dames fast asleep,-—
employed in talking of each other*s beauty. And that leader
of monkey bands saw (women) versed in season and place,
and understanding the meanings of words consonant with
season and place. And in the midst of them all, the lord of
the R&kshasas looked splendid like an ox in a spacious stall

♦ i.#. that Mandodari was Sit4. — T.

t The text has na saptum arhaii; lit.^ U behoveth {Sitd) not to sUep. The
••nse, however, is as ^iven above. — T.

% All this, remarks RAminuja, appeared from their talk during sleep. — T.

116

ill the midst of statelv kine. And surroumlf*! Iiv lliem, llie
Kaksljasa chief ;ippear<il heaiitiful like a K"»Ji''"*><-' t'lephanl in
a forest, surioundi'd by Icmale f l«*pliants. Aii<l in llie abo^le
of the hiicve-hodied Raksliasa chit^f, lh;it li'^er-like monkey
saw that place of drinking, furnished with c-vrry object of
desirt-. And in that phice set ap;^^t for drinking, he saw heap*
of the flesh of bulTaloes, dt-er, and boais, arranged separately.
And thai tiger-like monkey saw in capacious golden ves.siU
flesh of fowls ind peacocks, which remained (after llie repast).
And HanuniSn saw the flesh of boars, and Vidhrinasas*
Sii/yas, deer, and peacocks, seasoned with curds and Sauvar-
chala;'\ and Knkaias,%2L\\d goats of various kinds.-flesh of hare
half-fed, — Ekagalyas,%2iV\A buffaloes, — all chopped and dressed;
and lickable and drinkable viands sharp and mild ; and edibles
bharp and mild ; and Rdgakhandavas^ containing sugar and
acid, capable of improving a vicious palate. And with large
and costly stray bangles and bracelets ; and scattered cans,—
and diverse Kinds of fruit ; and wreaths of flowers, the pave-
ment attained exceeding beauty. And with elegantly jointed
bedsteads, arranged (around;, the scene of wassail appeared
aflame without lire. And with meat consisting of man/
ingredients, fraui^ht witli diverse tastes, seasoned with manf
bubstancrs, and dri-ssed by skilful cooks, — arranged separate*
Iv in the scene of rt*vel ; and with noble and pleasant win**.
natural^i^and artificial, — f;.v/77'/7jlrom sugar;and Mddhvika%^^
//j^Z775" from flowers And fru-t'^ ; and impregnated separately

* A spcrics of birils, hriviiijr, acconling to Vishnudhanma^ daik cbroit^
red veins, and white wln^s. According to others, a kind of goats. — T.

t A kiml of salt. — T.

\ A kind of p.-irtri;:;cs. — T.

\ A kind of fiah.— T.

j Accordlnjj to homfc^ a prcpirali-n of the juice of f^rapes and pooMfrai*
.ites. mixed with sui^ar, etc. According to others, black cakes havlaf W
kinds of relishc?. — T.

^ N.itural wines — such as Kadamrari etc, which require no preparatioa.^'T.

% Ffoni honey. According to some, from grapes. — T.

Sl/WDAJRA KlNDAM. 923

with clIfTerent kinds of fragrant dust, — the pavement, furnish-
ed with inuumerp^hle garlands, surrounded with golden water-
vess<»ls and crystal bowls, and goldt^n water-pots, looked
exceedingly beautiful. And the monkey saw that foremost of
all places set «ipart for drinkino-, containing silvern and golden
jars. And tliat mighty monkey saw golden wine-vessels
studded with gems, all filled with wine ; and some with
half full of liquor, some with their wine entirely exhausted, and
some full of liquor. And (at some spots) he saw various
kinds of viands, and at others wines ranged in rows,
and at others the wine-vessels remaining half full. And
there were many bedsteads belonging^ to fair ones, remaining
vacant; and at some places excellent women were sleeping
touching each other. And at one place, a female, borne
down by the force of sleep, forcibly possessing herself of
another's cloth, and wrapping herself therewith, — went to the
bed of that one, and was indulging in sleep. — And with their
breath, their variegated wreaths and the cloth on their persons
were stirring gently, as if with a mild-blowing breeze.
And laden with the odours of cool sandal.and of sweet-tasting
Sidhu ;* and of diverse wreaths and flowers, and with perfum-
es of various kinds, — and entrancedf with (the aroma'of sandah
suitable for use after ablution, and of dhupaSy the air, im-
preg^nated with excellent scent, was there breathing around the
car Pushpaka. And in the residence of the Raksha, there
were some wenches sable, yet exceedingly witching; and
some were dark-hucd ; and the frames of some were of a
g^olden brilliance. And their beauty, in conseqtience of their
coming under the governance of sleep, and their being bereft
of their senses by Madana, rcsemhlerl that of lotuses in a
iileep. Thus that highly energetic monkey saw everything

* Spirit distilled from mollasses. — T.

t Murchchhiia — The commentator says, mesins spread ittg. I, however^
here presume to go by my own light, feeble as that may be. Entranced will^
I dare say, recommend it^clf to the pcwitical in especial. — T.

924 RlniAfANA.

thoroughly in the inner apartment of Rftvana, — but fie 9
not Janak.Vs daughter. And seeing those females, that
mighty monkey, apprehending loss of righteousness, ii*a!»
seized with an exceeding ^reat fear*. "Beholding a female,
w\\o is the religiously weddsd wife of another, while she i<
asleept, verily cni^-eth loss of righteousness. My si*»lit
surely never seeketh others' wives; but 1 have beheld tlii^
one that hath ravished another's spouse." And that ia-
tcUii::ent one, intent on attaining a knowledge of thingi
c c'lpable of being arrived at on grounds of judgment, ai^ain
reflected effectively as to his course of action : "All these
unsuspecting wives of R^vana have been beheld by me; yet
there are no signs that my mind hath undergone any altera*
tion. In respect of the enlistment of the senses on behalf
of any course of action good or evil, it is verily mind which
is the cause ; and herein my mind is righteously disposed.
And I could not search for Vaidehi elsewhere ; for in the
matter of search, people always search for women even among
women. And people search for creatures among (he spedes
to which they happen to belong : none searcheth for a lost
lady among female deer. Therefore have I with a pne
heart explored the entire inner apartment of Rftvana; bat
Janaka's dau^rliter I see not." And Hanumftn endowed with
prowess saw the daughters of gods, and Gandharbas, and
Nngas; hut he saw not Janaki. And not seeing her, thst
hero, having heheld other magnificent dames, coming oat of
that place, set about searching for SitA (afresh). And leaving
tl^o place of wassail, the graceful ofT^pring of the Wind^god,
takinqr extreme care, again began to search for Silt all aboot
(another qu.irter).

* R -niemberinj;. sayn the conimentator, the injaoction of IIm
*'Nonr »«houl<l s<-c a niifle ff m;ilc." — T.

t And therefore prrsuwnbly incapable af taking care «»f hfratlfj^^T,

SUN DA RA Kl VDA M 92 j

SECTION XII.

jf\.ND remainine in that mansion. (HnnumSn'i desirous of
getting a sight of Sita g^raced with a fair presence, went
into bowers, and picture galleries, and nitfht-houses ;* but
her he did not find. And not findine the beloved (spouse)
of Raorhu's son, that miehty monkey reflected, — **Surely Sita
is not alive, — for although I have searclied (through and
through), yet MithilSl*s daughter I have failed to find. And
that girl solicitous for the preservation of her chastity, and
staying in the prime path of virtuous woman, — that chaste
one — hath, for certain, been slain by this chief of the
RSlkshasas, (ever) finding delight in iniquity. And seeing
the wives of the RSlkshasa monarch, — of frightful forms,—
monstrous; of lurid hue ; having huge faces ; with large horrid
eyes, — the daughter of Janaka hatli given up the ghost
from fright. Failing to see Sita, and (thereby) annuling
my prowesSy and having long spent the appointed space
in company with the monkeys, way have I none to present
myself before Sugriva, that monkey beinar puissant and
given to meting out sharp chastisement. Having searched
the inner apartment through, and seen the wives of the
Rakshasa, I do not see the chaste SitS. Therefore vain is
the trouble that I take. What, alas ! shall the monkeys
assembled tell me when I shall go (to them) ? 'O hero, tell
us what thou hast done, repairing there.' And not having
seen Janaka's daughter, what shall I answer ? The term
fixed (by Sugriva) having been past, certainly meet it is that
1 should fast to death. And what shall the aged Jamhhavan,
and what shall Angada, say ? And what, again, shall the
assembled monkeys say to mc when I shall hive crossed over
the main ? But porseverence is the source of good fortune ;

♦ Intended for stay at night. — T.

926 RAmXIANM.

and porscverence bringrctli about supreme happiness. Search
again I will, where I have not yet searched. Persrverencc,
for certain, ever hrinirelh people to all profitable objects.
Whatever one <loeth with vii^or, beareth fruit. Therefore will
I put forth fresh dear efforts vi^orou-^ly. 1 will search such
places held by RSvana as I have not vet seen. I have
again searched the picliire-jjalleries and the sportin^-struc-
turt^s, and edifices, and roads passings through gardens, as
well as the cars." Having thought thus, Hanum9n again set
about searching the subterranean abodes, religious buildings,
and many-storied mansions. And flyincf up, and cominij
down, and stayingf. and going at places, and opening doors,
and shutting others, and entering and issuing out, and
fcdling down as if darting up, that mighty monkey began to
range on all sides. There was not even space measurin?
four fini^ers in that inner apartment of RSlvana, to which the
monkey did not repair. And he saw the abodes of the
Mohilily, the daises, the trees by the crossing**, the holes, and
the tanks. And Hanum^n saw there RAkshasas of various
forms, frightful and deformed ; but he saw not Janaka's
dausfhter. And Hanuman saw there the wives of VidvJ-
dharas ; but he saw not Raghava's beloved. And Hanunoin
saw there trnnscendentally beautiful women— daughters of
NSgas — having countenances resembling the moon ; but he
saw not J.inal«a*s daughter. And HanumSln saw there
daughters of Xacjas forcibly brought by the lord of the
Rakshasas ; but he saw not Janaka's daughter. Havine seen
other beauteous females, and not seeing her, the mighty-
armed son of the Wind-god was oppressed with sadness.
Seeing that the endeavours of the monarch of monkeys, as
well as the bounding over the main, had come to notiqht, the
offsT'»rin«T of the Winil-eod was nlun2[ed in thou:»ht. Descend*
ing from th<- ,xri.d car. HanutnSn, son unto the Wind-ffod, his
senses drpiivcd l)y sorrow, was again wr'^nght up with
anx'elv.

SUA'DA RA KAND. IM. 927

SECTION XIII .

•:0:0:-

LIGHTING from the car, Hanuman possessed of vigorous

activity, — leader of monkey-bands — nearing the wall, looked

like lightning within a mass of clouds.* And having gone

round the mansions of RSvana, and not seeing Janaki, the

monkey HanumSn said, — "Striving after Rama's welfare,

1 have again searched through Lanka ; but I do not see

Videha's daughter, Janaki, having all her limbs endeued with

loveliness. And I have explored pools, and watery expanses,

and tanks, and rivers, and streams, and marshes, and woods,

and citadels, and mountains, yea, — all this earth ; but Janaki

I do not find. The vulture-king Sampati had told that Sita

was in the mansion of Ravana. But why do I not see her

(here) ? Or doth Maithili Sita, daughter unto Janaka.f sprung

in the Videha line, forcibly carried off (by Ravana\ and

completely in his power, abide by the mandate (of that

monarch) ? I conceive that while taking Sita, the Raksha

darted upward, he being influenced by fear of R5ma*s shafts ;

(;ind accordingly losing control over his movements), she fell

off by the way. Or I fancy that while that noble lady was

being carried away along the way ranged by Siddhas, she

lost her life on beholding the ocean. Or I think that on

;4CCOunt of the vehement speed assumed by Ravana, and also

oppressed with his arms, that large-eyed noble lady hath been

bereft of her life. For certain, while (Ravana) was soaring

liigher and higher, Janaka's daughter, rolling (on the car),

dropped down into the sea. Alas ! trying to preserve her

chistity, the forlorn Sita, practising self-mortification, hath

bc-en devoured by this abject-minded Ravana. Or that dark-

* The ccmmentator remarks : By this the author Jnsinuates that the wall
was of entire sapphire. — T.

t Knowing Brahma^ remarks Rim4nuja. — T

923 RlMlrANA.

eyed Innocent one, liatli bren e.itcn up by Uie wives of the
Rakshasa chief, actuated by wicked motives * (Ever) contem-
platinsy . Rama's counlen;*nce, resembling the full Moon, with
ryes like lotus-leaves, she, exercised with sorrow, hath
breathed her last. Bewailingr much with exclamations of.
*0h Rama and Lakshmana !' *Ah Ayodli\2L !' that lady
Vaidehi hath renounced her body. Or secretly kept in
Ravana*s mansion, that girl, like a female parrot in a cage,
is weeping bitterly. How can the siender-waisted wife of
RSLma, born in the race of Janaka, furnished with eyes resem-
bling lotus petals, come under the sway of RSLvaiia ? I shall
not be able to say of RSma's beloved wife that she Iiath been
suUied,t or that I have seen her, or yet that she is dead.
To say this is censurable ; not to say it is also such.
What is my course ? I find myself in a false position. Things
havin(]r drifted to this pass, what should I say, now that the
time hath come?* Thus thinking, HanumSn again reflect-
ed,— ''If without seeing Sita, I repair to the abode of the
lord of monkeys, what then shall I gain as the object of my
exertions ? This my bounding over the main comes to
nought; as also my entry into Lanka and the sight of the
Rikshasas. And what shall Sugriva say ? Or the assembled
monkeys ; or those twin sons of Da^aratha ; to me when
I shall have come to Kishkindha ? And if going there, I
should say a harsh speech unto Kakutstha— 'I have not seen
Sita' — ht^ shall renounce his life. Hearing harsh, terrible,
unsufTcrable, fierce and foul words concerning Sita, calculated
to set the senses on fire, he shall not exist. And seeing him
come under misery, with his mind expiring, the intelligent
Lakshmana, firmly attached (unto Rama), shall also cease to
exist. And hearing that his two brothers are dead, Bharata
also shall give up existence. And seeing Bharata dead.

• Jcaluusy, according to the commentator.— T.

t This is evidently the sense, having regard to the preceding «M«, ahiomk
the commentator gives the apparent meaning of vinastha perished.— T.

SVADARAKlNDAlil fJ9

Satrughna shall also renounce his life. And beholding their
sons dead, Uieir mothers, Kau^alySL, SumitrIL and Kaikayi,
shall, certainly, resign their lives. And seeingr Rama in that
plight, the lord of the monkeys, Sugriva, grateful and having
bis heart fast fixed in truth, shall ^\ve up his life. And Um&,
aggrieved, heart-wrung, distressed and bereft of happiness,
and assuming the garb of a female ascetic, because of grief
for her husband, shall resign her existence. And oppressed
with grief arising from Vali, and weighed down by sorrow,
the queen TStrft, also, resolving on death shall cease to exist.
And in consequence of the death of his father and mother
and the calamity befalling Sugriva, the prince Angada also
shall next forego his existence. And the dwellers of the
woods overwhelmed with grief got of (the decease of) their
master, shall strike at their heads with their clenched fists
and hands. And the monkeys affectionately cherisiied by
the famous lord of the monkeys with soothing words gifts
and regard, shall resign there lives. And no more in woods,
and rocks, or secret spots, shall the foremost monkeys,
assembled together, indulge in sports. And they, along with
their sons and wives, and counsellors, distressed on account
the disaster that hath overtaken their master, — shall fall
from the tops of mountains down to places even or uneven.
And the monkeys shall take poison, or hang themselves, or
enter into flaming fire, or fast, or fall on their own weapons.
I fancy that a loud wailing shall arise on my return (to that
place) ; and the race of Ikshwaku as well as the rang^ets of
the woods shall meet with destruction. Therefore I will not
repair hence to the city of KishkindhSL ; nor can I see Sugriva
without Mitbilft's daughter. On my not going there and stay-
ing here,those righteous-souled Maharathas as well as the fast-
fleeting monkeys, shall preserve their lives through hope
(of hearing tidings concerning Sita.) And not having seen
Janaka's daughter, I will lead the Vdnaprastha mode of life,
partaking (of fruits) falling into my hands or mouthy restrain-

930 RImXYANA.

ing my lenses, and staying at the foot of trees. Preparing
a funereal pile on a tract bordering on the sea, abounding
in fruits, and flowers, and water, I will enter into flaming
fire. And as I sit to fast, and for effecting the separation of
self from my body and centering my identity in the spirit
crows and beasts of prey shall feed on my body. And
I think the sages have enjoyed another way of exit. I
shall, failing to see J^naki, enter into water. My illustrioos
and exalted garland of fame, begot of excellent acts, bath
perished for good in consequence of my not seeing Siti.*
Or restraining myself, I shall become an ascetic living under-
neath trees ; but return I will not, without obtaining a sight
of that dark-eyed damsel. If I return without seeing Siti, all
the monkeys with Angada shall cease to exist. Incalculable
are the ills of my putting a period to my existence ; (on the
other hand) if I live, I may come by good. Therefore my
life I will maintain. If I live, it may conduce to happiness."
Having thus indulged in a variety of harassing thoughts in
his mind,that foremost of monkeys could not cross over to the
other shore (of the sea of distress). Then summoning cnergyi
that elephantine monkey endeued with fortitude reflected,*-
''Or I shall slay the Ten-necked R&vana possessed of great
strength. SitSi hath been carried off ; but by this I shall avenge
myself. Or throwing him repeatedly into the sea, I (shall take
him) and present him to Rima, even as one presents a beast
unto Pa9upat.''t Reflecting thus,the monkey, not finding SiUi
— agitated with sorrow and anxiety, thought,— "So long as I
do not find the illustrious spouse of R&ma, SitS, I will explore
the city of LankSi again and again. If in consonance with
Simp&t's speech, I bring R^ma hither, RSghava, not seeiag

^ Tirtha reads chirardtriyam for chirardtrya. Then th« MOM is. TVi
illustrious live-long fair-rooted and auspicious night crowned with
fame, hath borne no fruit, in consequence of my not seeing Siti. Tlia<
tator, I presume, reBnes a little too much.— T.

t An appellation of Siva — lit. lord of htoiti — in allusion to
to Siv*. — T.

SUN DA RA KlNDAM. 931

his wife, shall burn all the monkeys. (Therefore) even here
I shall stay, restraining my fare and mortifying my senses.
All those principal monkeys ought not to lose their lives
because of any act to which I may commit myself. This is
the asoka wood, extensive and containing mighty trees.
This I shall explore, as it hath not yet been searched by
me. And saluting the Vasus, the Rudras, the Adityas^ the
twin Aywins, ( and R&ma and Lakshmana), I enhancing
the sorrow of the Rakhas, shall go into it. Having vanquished
the RSLkshas, I will bestow on R&ma the lady of the IkshwSlkii
race like the fruit of asceticism conferred on an ascetic.'*
Having thus reflected for a space, the mighty-armed
offspring of the Wind-god, his senses agitated with anxiety,
arose. ''I bow unto Rama with Lakshmana, and unto the
revered daughter of Janaka, I bow unto Rudra, and Indra,
and Yama^ and Wind-god, and I bow unto the Moon, unta
Fire and unto the Maruts." Having bowed unto them all,
as also unto Sugriva, the offspring of the Wind-god, survey-
ing all the cardinal points, mentally entered the Asoka wood.
Having mentally entered the Asoka wood, that monkey, son
unto the Wind-god, reflected as to what he should do next.
The sacred Asoka wood, sanctified with every purifying rite
and abounding in woods, needs must be full of Rakshas.
And warders, directed there to, forsooth, protect the trees ;
and that worshipful Soul of the universe*^ does not breathe
here vigorously. I contract my person in the interests of
Rama, and in order that RSivana may not see me. May
all the deities along with the saints confer success on me.
And may the revered self-create Brahma, and the deities,
and the ascetics, and Fire, and wind, and the much invoked
bearer of the Vajra^^ and the noose-handed Varuna, and
the Moon and the Sun, the high-souled A9winis, and all the
Maruts — (confer) success (on me) ! And all beings, and the

• The wind. — T.
+ Indra.— T.

932 RllifAyANA.

lord of tliem all,* and others thai, albeit not specified in the
scriptures, are yet visible in the way, — will confer success
on me. Wlien shall I behold the blameless face of that noble
lady, — with its protruding nose; having luminous smiles,
havinij eyes resembling lotus-petals ; and bright as tlic
complacent lord of stars ? Ah ! to-day how shall feeble forlorn
one that hath been borne down by the force of the mean,
abject and grim-visaged (Ravana\ fierce yet wearing (at the
time of the rape), a dress tending to inspire confidence, —
come in my sight ?"

SECT ION XIV.

XXAVING reflected for a while, and mentally met with
her, that highly energetic one leapt from the wall of
Havana's mansion on to that (of the Asoka wood). And
all his frame filled with delight, that mighty monkey, st:ition-
ed on the vTall, saw various trees having their tops furnished
>vith flowers through spring and the other seasons, — salas
and asokas, bhavyas, champ akas, udalakas, and nSgas, aod
lh(>>e bearing fruits resembling the mouths of monkeys;
and ihost! relative to mango woods. — with hundreds of plants.
Atul (liannn.an) leapt into the garden like an arrow let go
from the bow strintr. Entering into the ^rove, variegated
ail over • resonant with the notes of birds ; filled on all sides
with vi'^hlen and silvern trees; many-hued with birds and
beasts ; containing dainty tracts of trees like unto the risen
Sun, — the powerful Hanuinan saw the place surrounded with
various kinds (4 tree^, having fruits and flowers ; frequented
by maiitkiicd coeU and hhrarnaras, with creatures expressing
happin.^-s by iheir movements, birds and beasts overflowing

\ Pra\apAii. — T.

SUNDARAKlNDAM. 933

with spirits ; echoing with the cries of peacocks ; furnished
with various species of fowls. And as he was searching for
that surpassingly beautiful and blameless daughterof the king,
that monkey awakened the monkeys that were sleeping
sweetly. And blown against by the wind caused by the wings
of the birds as they flew upwards, various and variegated
trees showered down blossoms. And in the midst of the
Asoka wood, HanumSLn, son unto the Wind-god, covered over
with flowers, looked lovely like a hill strewn with blossoms.
And all creatures, beholding that monkey embosomed amouf^
trees and darting on all sides, took him for spring. And
strewn with several masses of blossoms loosened from the
trees, the Earth appeared beauteous like a damsel dight with
ornaments. And shaken in diverse ways by the motion of
the light fleeting monkey, the trees showered many-hued
flowers. And with their leaves and tops torn, and their flowers
and fruits shrivelled up, the trees looked like worsted gamb-
lers bereft of their clothes. And shaken by HanumSn
vehemently moving about, those excellent trees crowned with
fruits, speedily cast of? fruits, flowers and foliage. And
moved by the Wind god's offspring, the trees with their trunks
left, and forsaken by the fowls were incapable of harbouring
any creatures. And like youthful fair ones with hair dis-
hevelled, their paste worn off, their upper lips with fair teeth
sucked of their moisture; and having their persons torn with
nails and teeth ; appeared the Asoka wood with its trees
shattered ; and itself ground with the tail, hands and legs (of
llanum§n). And that monkey with his vehemence scattered
the clusters of shrubs, like the wind violently scattering
clouds in the rainy season. And ranging there, the monkey
saw beautiful pavements, jewelled, silvern aud golden. And
he saw there various pools filled with excellent water and
having steps crusted with jewels. Their sandy soil was
filled with pearls and corals, and the ground inside was made
of crystal. And their banks were decked witjidiverse golden

934 hXAllrANA.

trees. They were beautified with full blown lotuses, water*
lilies, Chakravakas and Natyuha^ and filled with the notes
of swans and Sdrasas. They were encircled on all sides
with bi^ tanks having trees on their banks and water, clear
and sweet like unto nectar. They were entwined with
hundreds of creepers, covered with Santdna^ tiowcrs and filled
with diverse groves and Karaviras serving the purpose of
windows.^ And thereupon that foremost of monkeys beheld
there a mountain — the most picturesque in the world, resem-
blingf clouds, having high summits, covered on all sides with
peaks and filled with hilly abodes and various trees. And that
monkey beheld there a river falling down from the mountaio
like unto a damsel falling down from the lap of her beloved.
And the branches of the trees touching the water (of the
stream) resembled a fair damsel prevented by her dear com-
panions from forsaking the company of her beloved). And
that great monkey beheld further down the stream turning
back like unto the damsel, pleased, goin^ back to her dear
one. And that foremost of monkeys, Hanumftn, the son of
M^ruti, beheld, at some distance, ponds filled with lotuses
and various birds. And he saw a big artificial pond full of
cool water having stairs crusted with excellent Jewels and its
sandy ba-nks filled with pearls. It was embellished (on all
sides) with various animals, diverse trees and big mansions
made by Viswakarma§ himself. It was adorned all around
with artificial fqrests and all the trees there bore flowers and
fruits, spreading their branches like unto umbrellas and
having ijolden and silvern pavements under them. And that
great monkey beheld there one golden Singsapa\i tree

• A gallinule. — T.

+ One of the trees of heaven. — T.

X Literally the passages means "making a gap In that forest thicklf fM
with tnres." But K^manuja interprets thus and we have adopted his iatcrpv*
tatiun. — T.

S The Si.n of BrahmA and artl&t of gods.— T.
A tree (Dalbergia Siiu).— T.

SUNDARAKlNDAM. 935

surrounded on all sides with golden pavements. Andlie
saw the glebe, the hill streams and many a golden tree
resembling fire. By the lustre of all those trees that heroic
monkey appeared as if made of goM like unto the Sun
by the touch of the mount Sumeru. And having seen those
beautiful golden trees, shaken by the wind and making a
sound like that of a Ktnkint\* having flowery tops and new
leaves he was greatly amazed. And climbing that Singsapa
tree enveloped with leaves that monkey, gifted with velocity,
reflected — '*Perchance I may see Vaidehi, exercised with
grief, anxious to behold R&ma and wandering hither and
thither at her pleasure. Certainly this is the picturesque
Asoka forest of that vicious-souled one, embellished with
sandal, Champakas and Vakulas, Here is a beautiful pond
abounding in lotuses, thronged with birds and forsooth shall
that royal spouse J&naki repair hither. She is the beloved
queen of R&ghava and expert in walking in the garden. And
separated from R&ma, certainly shall J§naki repair hither.
Or she having the eyes of a young antelope and adept in
roaming in the forest, exercised with thought touching Rama,
shall come here. Or she having beautiful eyes and fond of
ranging in the forest, racked with sorrow in consequence of
Rima's separation, doth always frequent this forest.f Ere
this, the chaste and worshipful spouse of R&ma — ^Janaka's
daughter, used to love always the birds and animals of the
forest. (The morning hath set in) and surely the beautiful
and graceful daughter of Janaka fond of performing morning^
ablutions, shall come to this river of pure water to perform
them. Truly is this beautiful forest of Asoka the worthy

* A kind of tinkling ornament. — T.

t The commentator, Ramdnuja interprets this sloka as explaining the cause
of Si&t's frequentiug the Asoka forest. — T.

t Sandhya literally means the point of time which connects day and night.
It however, generally means the period after sunset and before the night sets
to. But here with reference to the speech which Hanumia began by the end
of oighc, it means the morning. — ^T.

93^» RJ^MIVaNA.

abode of the beloved and chaste spouse of RSma. the lord
of men. If that one of moon-like countenance breathes,
forsooth shall she come to this river of cool water/' Having
arrived there and anxiously expecting the appearance of the
spouse of that lord of men, the high-souled HanumSn hiding
iiimself (on the Singsapa tree) enveloped with flowers and
leaves, beheld all.

SECTION XV.

■0:0-

AVING stationed himself on the tree, casting his
looks all around in quest of Sit9l and looking down on the
earth he surveyed the entire forest of {Asoka), It was beauti-
fied with Santdnaka creepers and various trees, fragrant
with celestial odours and was embellished on all sides. It
resembled Nandana or the celestial garden, and was filled
with various animals and birds, palaces and mansions;
resounded with the notes of Kokilas ; adorned with the ponds
abounding in silvern water-lillies and lotuses; filled with
many seats and coverlets and various houses having spacious
courtyards ; adorned with beautiful flowers of all seasons and
trees bearing fruits. And the beauty of the blossooiing
Asokas resembled the effulgence of the Sun. And ittationed
there M^ruti beheld trees as if devoid of leaves on account
of the hundreds of birds, adorned with various flowers,
resorting there. And he saw there the earth touched by
Asoka trees, the removers of grief, having flowers growing
from the roots and lowered down with their weight. And
the entire quarter was as if ablaze with the beautj of the
flowery Karnikaras and Ktngsukas. And there appeared ia
beauty many flowery Punnagas^ Saptaparnas^ Champmhai%
and Udalakas having deeply expanded roots. And then
was a thousand of Asoka trees, some of whom were 13m

SUNDARAKlNDAM, ^ij

Ifold, some were like the flame of fire and some were like
dark-blue collyrium. It was like the j^arden of Nandana or
like that of Kuvera or perhaps it surpassed the both in excel-
lence. And enveloped in charming, celestial grace beyond
conception and having flowers for stars that forest appeared
like a second sky. Aud covered with hundreds of pearl-like
flowers the forest looked like the fifth ocean. And that
garden was embellished with flowers of all seasons and honey-
smelling trees, and filled with diverse notes and various
animals and birds. And that fragrant garden was rendered
more charming with various other fragrances. And that
foremost of monkeys beheld in that garden of Asoka, a round
palace, situated at a distance, fragrant as the Gandhamddana
mountain and high as the lord of mountains. (The
palace) was white as the Katla^a hill and built on
thousand pillars. AH its stairs were made of coral
and its pavements made of burning ^old. Its beauty
was as if burning all along and stealing the vision of the
lookers-on. It was spotless and on account of its height
touched the welkin. And thereupon he beheld there (SitSi)
wearing a soiled cloth, poorly, greatly reduced by fast, sigh-
ing again and again and encircled by a band of Rakshasees.
She was (however) spotless like unto the rays of the moon
on the first lunar day. And her graceful beauty could with
great difficulty be perceived like unto the flame of fire
enveloped with smoke. And wearing a shattered and soiled
yellow cloth and divested of all ornaments she appeared like
a lotus stalk without lotuses.*^ Oppressed, racked with grief,
weakened and chaste as she was, she appeared like Rohini
possessed by Ketu, She was greatly reduced by fast,
stricken with grief and anxious thoughts, disturbed with
sorrow and was poorly and her eyes were always full of tears.

^ This passage has another meaning — Padminx has two meanings —
(i) lotus (a) Lakskmi or the goddess of wealth. The goddess of wealth is
generally described as sitting od a lotus.— T.

ii8

S138 fcAMlrANA.

Separated from her kith and kin and not beholding Rlina anil
Lakshmana'^ but the Rakshasees, she appeared like a hind
surrounded I^y do^s. Her braid of long hair resemblintr d
black serpent fallinsr on her back it appeared as if the Eartli
was filled with dark-blue forests on the disappearance of the
rains. Site was worthy of liappiness only and never knew
of misery and therefore she was (now) gre-itly oppressed with
sorrow. And bcholdini^ that one of expansive eyes rcn-lcrrd
pale and feeble, Hanuman, by various conclusive argumenti
reflected within himself *'She must be Sit&i for this damsel
looks just like her, whom I saw, when she was ravished by
R&vana, assuming shapes at will. Having the countenance
of the full-moon, beautiful eye brows, round breast, she is as
if dispelling the darkness from all quarters by virtue of
her grace. Her throat was yellow, and her lips were like
Bimbas.'\ She was of middle stature and her limbs were all
well built. She had eyes resembling lotus petals and was
like the beloved wife of Manmatha — Rati and was adorable
unto the wlxjle creation like the rays of the full-moon. That
one havinor a graceful person was seated on the earth like a
female ascetic havin^^ her senses restrained. And she was
sighing again and again like the timid daughter-in-law ol
the lord of serpents. J Entanj^lrd !)y a mighty web of grief
her grace was greatly lessened and she appeared like the
flame of fire envtrloped in smoke. .Slie was like unto Smriti
of doubtful meanings, fallen wealth, lost respect, hope with-
out any desire for gain, Sidhi\ of many troubles, sullied
understanding and fame soiled with false rumours. That
innocent one was greatly distressed for not being able to

* Priyiljanam — literally nu.ins dear onus — but here it refers to Rinia wtA
Lakshinana. — T.

t A cicurbitiiceous plant with red fruits. — ^T.

% The epithet has a special significance because through her the
of the race of Rakshasa:* was brought about. — T.

S Yof^a or asceticism by virtue of which final emancipitioo from
is effected.— T.

SUN DA RAKA NDA M. 939

attend upon Rama, and she having the eyes of a young hind^
being oppressed by the RSLkshasees was casting her looks
hither and thither. And with a displeased countenance, hav*
ing dark-blue and curling eye laslies,and eyes full of tears, sht
was sighing again and again. Worthy of wearing ornamesnt
but now without any, poorly, crusted with execrations, she
appeared like the rays of the stars enveloped by dark-blue
clouds. And beholding SitSL in that pitiable plight like unto
learning for want of practice, (HanumSin) was puzzled with
doubts. And seeing her without ornaments he could with
great difficulty make her out like unto words having different
meanings without the knowledge of grammar. And behold-
ing that blameless daughter of the king, having expansive
eyes, HanumSLn, by various reasonings, reflected — "Forsooth
she must be Sita. I see at her person all these ornaments,
of which Rama mentioned unto me at the time of my depar-
ture. I behold on her ears excellent ear-rings and nicely
placed Svadangstras* and on her arms jewelled ornaments
rendered dark-blue by dirt for constant use. Verily these
are the ornaments RSima mentioned unto me. I do not
perceive them which had been cast off by her. But these are
the rest there is not the least doubt about it. The monkeys
had seen, her excellent yellow cloth made of golden fibres,
on the hill. They had seen also her excellent ornaments,
which cast off by her, fell on the earth with a sound. Her
cloth hath been shattered by constant use but her grace hath
not been rendered worse than its color. This one having a
golden countenance must be the beloved queen of Rama, who,
albeit separated from him, hath not disappeared from his mind.
This is that damsel on whose account Rama being simultane-
ously burnt by affection, pity, grief and amour, — affection in
consequence of his beloved spouse being ravished, pity for
his inability to protect one dependent on him, grief for the
loss of his beloved wife and amour for his dear one. Verily

♦ A kind of ornament worn on the ears. — T.

940 RlMlFANA.

it appeareth from the grace of her person, from her well
developed limbs and from RSma's beauty that this worshipful
damsel having dark-blue eyes must be his spouse. She has
her mind fixed in him, and he in her and it is for this that
she and the virtuous-souled (Rima) have been still main-
taining their being. Indeed my master RlLma hath performed
a mighty task for breathes he still in her separation, without
consuming himself in grief." And having beheld Sita in
this plight, that son of the Wind-^od approached R&ma in
mind and showered praises on his master.

SECTI ON XVI.

A.ND having eulogized SitS, worthy of beinjgf praised and
RSma, endeared by accomplishments that foremost of mon-
keys again engaged in meditation. And having reflected
for some time, the powerful HanumSn, having his eyes full
of tears bewailed on Sita's account (in the following strain)
— "No one can withstand the course of destiny since Sitl,
being the spouse of the worshipful brother of Lakshmani,
ever obedient unto his elders, hath been overwhelmed
^vith grief. The worshipful damsel is cognizant of the
prowess of Rama and the intelligent Lakshmana and for
this she is not entirely depressed like unto the rircr
Ganges at the approach of the rainy season. As regards
tlu'ir character, ago, conduct, family and other auspicious
marks they are equal and hence RSgh.iva deserveth Vaidehi
and tliis one of dark-blue eyes is his.'* And having seen her,
gohl-hued and conducing to the happiness of the people
like unto the Goddess of wealth, Hanum^n approached
Rama in his mind and said : — "For this (damsel) was killed
the mighty Vail and Kavanda — R§ van a 's equal in prowess.
For her too) was destroyed in battle, the terribly powerfd

SUNDARAKlNDlM. 941

Rikshasa — ^Viradha,by Rima.putting forth his energryjike unto
Shambara killed by Mahendra. (It was for her) that fourteen
thousand RSkshasas of terrible deeds were destroyed at
Janasthana with arrows resembling the flame of fire. And
Khara was killed in battle, and Trishar2L was discomfitted and
the mighty Dushana by R5ma, knowing his ownself. And it
was on her account that Su^riva, known all over the world,
came by the wealth of the monkeys hard to acquire and
amassed by V5li. And it is for this (damsel) of expansive
eyes that I have crossed the effulgent lord of rivers and have
seen this city. And methinks it would have been all proper
had R§ma turned on her account the whole earth bounded
by oceans. If the kingdom over the three worlds and the
daughter of Janaka be compared together, the former is not
equal to one hundredth part of SitS. This SitS, the daughter
of the high-souled Janaka, the pious King of MithiiJi, firmly
attached unto her husband, rose, covered with dust, out of
the earth, in a field delved by a furrow. She is the well-
known eldest daughter-in-law of the king Da^aratha, of
an adorable character and unchecked prowess. And She is
the beloved spouse of the pious and grateful Rama, know-
ing his ownself, and has been brought under the control of the
Rdkskasees. Renouncing all luxuries, and considering not
the least about miseries, she actuated by her husband's love
entered the solitary forest. And satisfied with fruits and roots
and ever engaged in her husband's service, she lived in the
forest as much delighted as she was in her house. And
that one of a golden hue, never used to afflictions and who
was wont to converse always with a delighted countenance,
hath now been suffering incomparable miseries. Like unto
a thirsty wight longing for an abode where he might get
a drink, RSghava panteth after seeing her, gifted with an
exalted character and oppressed by Ravana. As a monarch
who had lost his kingdom, is greatly delighted when he
r#»gaineth it, forsooth shall R&ghava, in like manner,

943 RlAllrANA.

be pleased when be shall come by her. She too hath been
maintaining her being in the hope of seeing RSma again,
separated as she is from her friends and deprived of all
comforts and luxuries. These RdJtsAasees, and these trees
enveloped with fruits and flowers — forsooth she dolh not
behold, but is engaged with all her heart in medidations
only touching R&ma. Flusband enhanceth the beauty of
a femnle more than the dress (and therefore SitSL) beautiful
as she is, doth not appear graceful, in her husband's absence.
Forsooth my master RSma hath performed a difficult art for
he hath been still keeping up his life in her separation
without consuming himself in grief. My heart is greatly
pained knowing that she, having dark-blue eyes, resemblinj^
lotus petals, worthy of happiness, hath been possessed by
arief. She, patient as the Earth, having eyes resemblinfr
lotuses, who was ere this protected by R3ghava and
Lakshinann, is now being guarded by R&kshasees having
terrible eyes, under the trees. Being harassed with continued
miseries, the daughter of Janaka hath lost all her beauty
like unto a water-lily crushed with frost, and hath come by
a miserable plight like unto a doe seperated from her mate.
The branches of the Asoka trees, lowered down with flowen
are as if enhancing her grief as also the Moon of many
thousand rays, at the expiry of the winter." Having reflec-
ted thus and arrived at the conclusion that she was Sill,
that powerful loader of monkeys gifted with velocity stationed
himself on that tree.

SUXDA RA KANDA AL 943

SECTION XVI I.

HEREUPON the Mooii, white as water-lily and of clear
appearance proceeded far down the welkin like unlo a
goose traversing the blue wateVs. With a view to befriend
him, the Moon of clear rays, sprinkled the Wind-God's son,
with cool beams. And thereupon he beheld Sila, having a
moon-like countenance, plunged in grief like unto a laden
boat sunk in water. While beholding Vaidehi,Hanunian,lhe son
of Maruta,obscrved at some distance, a number of grim-visaged
RSikshasees. Some had one ear, some one eye, some had big
ears some was without ears ; some had formidable ears and
some had a nose projecting upwards. And some had the
upper part of their bodies unusually long and bulky, some had
a long and slender neck, some had dishevelled hair, and
some one's person was so thickly covered wuth hairs, that she
appeared to have been cloaked in a blanket. Some had long
cars some had a long forehead, some had a long belly, some
had long breasts ; some had long lips ; some had their lips and
chins stuck together, some had a long countenance and some
had long knees. Some one was of short stature, some was
tall, some crooked, some grim-visaged, some dwarfish, some
one was of terribly dark colour ; some had a disfigured coun-
tenance ; some had coppery eyes and a fearful face. Some
were terrible-looking, some copper-colored, some black, some
angry and some fond of quarrelling with each other ; and
some had iron darts, hammers and mallets in their hands.
Some had a face like that of a boar, some had a face like
that of a deer, some like that of a tiger, some like that of a
buffallo, some like that of a goat, and some like that of a
jackal ; some had legs like those of a camel, some had those
of an elephant, some those of a horse and some had
their heads placed on their breasts. Some one had only one

944 RImXyANA.

hand some had only one leg. Some bad ears like those of i
horse, some like those of a cow, some like those of an ass,
some like those of an elephant and others had ears like those
of a lion. Some had very big noses, some had crooked
and others were without any ; some had noses like those of
an elephant and others had their noses on their foreheads.
Some had their legs like those of elephants some bad very
huge legs ; some had like those of a cow, some had on their
legs locks of hair like unto pillars, some had a terribly huge
head, some had big breasts and others had spacious bellies,
Some had faces and eyes beyond ordinary proportions. Some
had a long face and tongue. And some had the face of a
goat, some that of an elephant some that of a cow, sone
that of a boar some that of a horse and some that of an ass.
Some of the RSLkshasees were grim-visaged and some hot-
natured, quarrelsome and had darts and maces in their hands.
And some terrible Rakshasees of disfigured countenances,
had smoky-coloured hairs. And they were all continually
drinking wine — always fond of liquor and meat, and all
their bodies were sprinkled with blood for their living
on gore and flesh. And that foremost of monkeys
found all these grim-visaged K&kshasees seated around
that mighty tree enveloped with branches. And the grace-
ful HanumSLn observed at the foot of that tree that worship-
ful and blameless daughter of the king Janaka. She
was bereft of all effulgence, racked with grief and all
her hairs were soiled with dirt. She appeared like a star fallen
down on the earth on the wane of virtue. And famed though
she was all over the world for her chastity, it was difficult
for her now to see her husband. She had no excellent oma-
mcnts — her attachment unto her husband was the oaly
ornament. She was imprisoned by the lord of R&kshasai
and separated from all her friends, she appeared like a she-
elephant separated from her band and bound and attacked
by a lionj and like the rays of the Moon enveloped

SUNDARAKlNDAM. 945

clouds at the expiry of the rainy season. Her beauty was
greatly faded (in consequence of her husband's separa-
tion) like unto a stringed instrument for want of a player.
And ever engaged in her husband's welfare she was
thoroughly unworthy of being brought under the control
of the R&kshasas. Being sunk in the abyss of grief and
encircled by those Rakshasees she appeared in the forest
of Asoka like unto Rohini possessed by Rahu. And Hanu-
ro&n beheld her there like a creeper divested of flowers.
And having her person soiled with dirt and shorn of all
ornaments she appeared in her hidden grace like unto a
lotus covered with clay. And the monkey Hanuman, beheld
that damsel, having the eyes of a young antelope, clothed
with a soiled and shattered cloth. And though the coun-
tenance of that worshfpful one was shorn of all grace, her
heart did not loose its loftiness in consequence of her
husband's prowess. And Sit&, of dark-blue eyes, was protected
by virtue of her own character. And beholding Sit3L, having
the eyes of a young antelope, and terrified and casting her
looks hither and thither like a hind and burning down the
trees enveloped with leaves by her breath ; like unto a mass of
grief and an upheaval of sorrow ; having well-proportioned
limbs, and appearing graceful without ornaments, M^ruti
attained to an excess of delight. And beholding her having
inebricte eyes, Hanuman shed tears of delight and bowed
unto Rlghava. And having offered his obeisance unto R^ma
and Lakshmana the powerful Hanuman, greatly delighted
in seeing Sit&; remained there hidden.

119

ij.V> RAMAVAiyA.

SECTION XVI I r .

:0:0:

NO htihoKliiii^ the forest (illejl with flovvrry trees ;in.]
d{*>iring to have a full view of her, he, well-nigh, spent thi'
night. Anti at that late hour of the night, he heard ll»r
chantincjs of the Vedas bv the Rakshasas, conversant wiih
the six supplemental y parts of the Vedas,* engaged in tin?
ptrforinance of sacrificial rites and knowing Brahmd. Ami
thereupon the mighty Ten-headed Rakshasa.havinghuge arms,
awoke with the sounds of those auspicious instnimenls
pleasant unto ears. And awaking, that ^reat and powerful
lord of Kakshasas, having his cloth and garlands loosened,
began to think of Vaidthi. And thai RSLkshasa, puffed up
uith pride, was passionately attached unto her and so he
could not re-strain his amour in him. And so adorned with
all ornaments, he, casting his looks on the roads containinsz
jewelled and aoldcMi gates and appearing in grace,entered the
forest of Asoka, lille<l with various trees containing fruits anJ
flowrrs o( all seasons and with ponds j beautified with varioiw
flowers ; v.irit'^ated with inebriete and wondrous birds; filled
with various beautiful wolves ; thronged with various deer
and covert d with fruits fallen on the earth. And one hun-
dred damsels f(»lhnve<l in the train of the son of Pulastyat
like u:ito the damsrls of t!ie celestials and Gandliar%'as
following Malundra. And among those fair ones, some
carried cliowrics and some fans. And some carryinif water
iu L'oldeii j -rs lu.ided the tn.in while others carrying the
gnldvu throne cov( re.l with a coverlet followed it. And a
l.ivourite damsel cariiril in her right hand a jewelled drink-
ing bowl filled with wi!)e. And another carrying the white

* Gr.xinin.ir, Fro:>oJy, a tronomy, pronounciation, the meanioff of tb»
unusu.il terms and the ritual of the Hindu relif^ion. — T.
t R«;fers to RAvana, Palastya bcinj his father— T.

SUNDARAKlNDAM. 947

ambrella having golden ribs resembling the full moon and
goose, followed in the train. And in this wise the excellent
wives, of Rivana, having their eyes rendered sleepy with
sleep and wine, followed their heroic husband like unto light-
nings following the cloud. Their necklaces and keyuras were
displaced, paste faded, hair dishevelled and they had drops
of sweat on their faces. With sleep and intoxication, were
reeling those fair ones of beautiful countenances, having
their hairs with garlands disbanded and their persons wet
with perspiration. And in this way those beloved wives, (of
R&vana) having inebriete eyes, followed, out of amour and
reverence, their husband. And their mii^hty husband, brought
under the control of amcur and having his mind firmly at-
tached unto Sita, proceeded slowly. And that monkey, son
of MSruta, heard the sound of kanchces and niipuras of those
excellent damsels. And the monkey Hanuman also beheld
R^vana, of extraordinary deeds and of inconceivable
prowess and strength, at the gate. His whole body was
seen on all sides by the light of the lamps lighted with
perfumed oil and carried by the Rakshasees before. He was
inflamed with amour, pride and haughtiness and his expan-
sive eyes were coppery and idle. And he appeared like
Cupid himself just appearing in view, leaving behind his
bow and arrows. And holding his excellent robe, covered
with flowers, washed, set with jewels and white as the
foam of the churned nectar, lie placed it in its proper place.
And HanumSn, hiding himself on the tree, in the midst of many
leaves and flowers, tried to recognise him as he approach-
ed. And beholding him, that foremost of monkeys saw that
highly famous king RSlvana, surrounded by his excellently
beautiful and youthful wives, enter that forest of enjoyment
filled with birds and animals. There was a warder by name
Sankukarna in that forest — highly powerful, wearing various
ornaments and addicted to drinking. And by him was
seen th.it lord of RSkshasas — the son of Visravasa. And

949 RXmIVANA.

that hrglily energetic monkey beheld that effulgent (RSt'ana)
surraunded by excellent damsels like unto moon encircled
by stars. And beholding him the monkey reflected — "Tliis
must be RSvana — for he is the person whom I saw sleepinsf
in an excellent apartment in that city." Thinking this, that
hijjfhiy effulgent son of M&ruta — HanumSln leaped (high upon
another branch). And effulgent as he was, that highly
intelligent monkey hid himself on a branch covered with
leaves, being unable to stand before the effulgence of thai
R&kshasa. And R§vana proceeded in that way, being anxious
to behold the blue-eyed SitS, having spacious breast, excel-
lent hips and a lock of black hair.

SECTION XIX,

And thereupon beholding RSvana — the lord of R&ksbsaf*
as, gifted with youth and beauty and adorned with an
excellent dress, that excellent and blameless daughter of a
king, Vaidehi, trembled like unto a plantain tree shaken by
the wind. And having covered her belly with her legs
and her breast with her hands, that one, having charming
colour and expansive eyes, cried aloud. And arriving there
the Ten-necked one beheld Vaidehi, guarded by the
RS^kshasees, poorly, racked with grief like unto a boat sunk in
an ocean. Subject to hard penances, she, seated on the
bare earth, appeared like a branch of a tree fallen on the
ground. Her limbs, where he used to wear ornaments, were
covered with dirt and albeit worthy of ornaments, appeared
without any like unto a lotus covered with clay and therefore
shining very indistinctly. And she was proceeding as it were
unto that lion of a king — Rama, knowing his owu*self, in her
mind's charriot drawn by the horses of resolution. And not
beholding the end of her grief, that damsel, attached voto

SUNDARaKXNDAM. 949

RSma, was keeping alone and reduced to a skeleton and
overwlielmned with anxious thoughts and g^rief. And she
was troubled like unto the daughter-in-law of the lord of
serpents, of impeded course by means of incantations, and
stricken with grief like unto Rohini, possessed by Ketu, And
although born in a pious family, well behaved and good-
natured and married according to their rites, she appeared
to have been sprung from a low race and wedded according
to their base ceremonials. She seemed like mighty fame
disappearing, like respect disregarded, like intellect waning
and hope disappointed ; like a sacred altar trampled, like
royal mandate disobeyed, like the quarters burnt by a fire-
brand ; like oflFerines unto God soiled ; like ^the disc of the
'u11-moon stricken with darkness, a lotus distressed, an army
.vithout a leader; like the ravs of the moon enveloped with
?:loom, like a river of shallow water, like a sacrificial altar
Possessed by an outcast, like the flame of fire extinguished ;
*ke water fowls terrified and lotuses disturbed and petals
-rushed by the trunks of elephants. And her grace greatly
Nmished by the absence of her husband she appeared like a
Hver whose liquid contents were dried up. And not clean-
ing her limbs she appeared like a dark night. And that one
^f graceful limbs, tender and worthy of living in a jewelled
abode, being stricken with grief, seemod like a dried lotus-
stalk just extracted from its bed. And she like the daughter-
in-law of the lord of elephants.caught, separated from her band
and ti-^d to a pillar, was overwhelmed with grief and was sighing
again and again. A long lock of dark-blue hair, taken not the
least care of, was on her back ; and with this she appeared like
unto the earth covered with dark-blue forests at the expiration
of the rainy season. With fasts and grief, anxiety and fear, she
wras greatly weakened and reduced and gave up eating and
took recourse to asceticism only. Stricken with grief, she
seemed to have been offering prayers unto that foren.ost
>f Raghus for the destruction of the Ten-necked one, like

950 RAmXfANA.

those unto the deities with (olded hands. And beholding
blameless Maithilee, having expansive eyes with beau
eye lashes, greatly attached unto R&ma, and \stf'\
Ravana tempted her for his own destruction.

SECTION XX.

■o.-o-

HEREUPON Ravana, with sweet words amd (restures
pressed his own desire unto SitSl, poorly, deprived of
encircled hy Rakshasees and leading the life of an asc
"O thou having thighs like the trunks of elephants, v
thou hast, beholding me, hidden thy breast and belly, per
thou art afraid of exposing thy person unto me. I do
for tliee, O thou having expansive eyes ; do thou est
me, O my dear one, O thou gifted with all accomplishm
and pleasant unto all persons. O SitS, here is no hu
being or any Rakshasa assuming shapes at will, do
therefore renounce all fear from me. O timid dar
for certain it is the virtue of the R&kshasas that they ah
visit others' wives or come by them by force. In spil
this, O Maithilee, I do not touch thee for thou art not ui
the influence of amour — but for me, I am completely n
its sway. Do not fear me, O worshipful damsel, confide i(
O my beloved one, and become attached unto rae.
not give way to grief. A single lock of hair, to lie d
on earth and useless fast — these do not become thee. AU
iiig me, O Maithilee, do thou enjoy excellent garia
sandal, ornaments, costly wines, beds, seats, songs, d
'\\\^ and music. Thou art a jewel of a female; do <
not therefore remain in this guise. Put on thy ornan
tht'rtfore. Flow shalt thou remain unadorned obtai
nif, () thou of a beautiful figure ? This thy beau
youth is passing away, which like the current ol a r

SiWDA J^AA'AaDAM 951

vlien once p;one, dotli not turn bade. O thou of a fair look,
lavin^ created thee, the artist of Gods, the maker of
:elestial beauties, h^th ceased from his work, for a matcli
)f thy beauty I find in none. Who is there, O Vaidehi,
vl)0 can withstand the influence of amour, gettin^r thee,
gifted with beauty and youth ? (What of others) even
Brahma, the grand-father of the celestials, is moved. O
hou having a moon-like countenance, and well-developed
lips, whatever limbs of thine, I behold, I find my gaze fixed
herein. O Maithilee, do thou become my spouse, and
enounce this delusion. Do thou become th^ foremost queen
)f all my excellent wives. O timid one, all the jewels that
have collected from the three worlds, and all my kingdom
'. shall confer on thee. O sportive damsel, for thy satisfaction,
'. shall conquer the whole earth, engarlanded by many cities
md bestow it upon JanakS. Find I none on this earth
vho can withstand my prowess. Do thou behold my
natchless prowess in battle. The celestiaU and Asuras
ire incapable of withstanding me, defeated as they were
)y me in battle and their pennons struck down. Do thou
.herefore desire me to-day, dress thyself in excellent robes
md adorn thyself in beautifully brilliant ornaments. I shall
>ehold thy dazzling beauty when adorned with ornaments,
i^or pity unto me, do thou embellish thyself with ornaments,
3 thou of a graceful countenance. O timid damsel, do thou,
it thy pleasure, enjoy all sorts of comforts and luxuries,
md do thou, as thou desirest, confer wealth and land on
>thers. Do thou confiding in me, ask for thy wished-for
objects and do thou command me like unto an unmannerly
lamsel. Thou shalt, by asking favours from me, satisfy the
iesires of thy friends. O gentle lady, O thou of great
•enown, do thou observe my prosperity. What shalt
hou do with RSima, wearing bark, O thou of pleasant
)resence. Rama hath ceased from his endeavours for gaining
ictory. He hath lost all his beauty, lives in the forest, is

95* RAMAFANA.

engaged in observances and always lies down on earth. I fear
whether he is living still. O Vaidehi, R2L ma shall not be
able to see thee like unto the rays of the moon covered
with blue clouds preceded by ValakdsJ^ RSghava shall never
get ihee back from my hands, like unto Hiranyakasift
unable to regain his wife Kcerti from Indra. O thou of
beautiful teeth, O thou having beautiful eyes, O sportive
damsel, O timid one, thou dost steal my mind like unto Garuda
catching serpents. Beholding thee, wearing a shattered
silken cloth, slender and without any ornaments, I do not find
any attachment in my own wives. O daughter of Janaka,
do thou exercise, thy supremacy, over all my wives, living
in my seraglio and gifted with all accomplishments. O thou
having black hair, all my wives are foremost in beaaty
over the three worlds. And they shall all attend thee like
unto Apsaras waiting upon the Goddess of wealth. Otboa
having beautiful eye brows and well-developed hips, do
thou, along with me, enjoy at thy pleasure all the wealth
and riches of Kuvera.f O worshipful damsel, in asceticism,
strength or prowess, wealth or fame, R&ma is not my eqoil*
Do thou therefore at thy pleasure drink, enjoy and eat
I shall confer on thee wealth and the whole earth. Do thOB
satisfy all thy desires in me, O fair damsel, and let thy friends
be satisfied in thee. And adorned with a beautiful goMca
necklace, O timid lady, do thou at thy pleasure, range
with me, in the forests, situated on the bank of the oceaflf
and filled with flowery trees and black bees."

* A kind of crane. — T.

t The God of wealth or Pluto in Greek myth. — T. J

SVNDARAKlNDAM. 95$

SECTION XXI.

EARING those words of tliat terrible RSksliasa, Sit&,
itricken with grief and of feeble voice, slowly replied—
Racked with grief, engaged in asceticism and weeping,
Sita began to tremble. And that excellent damsel, devoted
unto her husband, began to think of him. Placing a twig
before, that one, of beautiful smile, said — ''Do thou take back
thy mind from me and place it in thy own wives. Like unto
ft sinner unworthy of praying for final emancipation, it doth
not behove thee to expect to come by me. Devoted unto one
ltU2»band I shall never perpetrate such an iniquitious act.
I am born in a high and have been married in a pious
family." Having accosted R&vana thus, the welUknown
Vaidehi, turning her back, again spake unto him, saying —
**l should not live with thee since I am another's wife
and chaste. Have thy eyes always on religion and do thou
follow in the track of piety. Like unto thine own wives,
others' are worthy of being protected by thee, O ranger of
the night. Makiner an example of thee, do thou enjoy with
thy own wives. Forsooth those vicious-minded, those of
agitated senses, who are not satisfied with their own wives,
are brought to misery by others' wives. (Methinks) there
are no pious men here and even if there be any thou dost not
follow him since thou hast such an adverse understanding,
against human practice and usage. Or the considerate people
have spoken the truth, but thou, for the destruction of the
race of the Rakshasas, considering that false, hast ilot
followed it. Wealth, kingdom and cities — all are brought to
naught when they are placed at the hands of a vicious and
illiterate king. Obtaining thee, (therefore) as her king and
for thy folly only, this city of LankSL, abounding in jewels,
shall soon be ruined. O RJLvaria, every one delighteth in

120

954 /^Ajl/iiAA'A.

the destriiction of that inconsiderate being, who bringcth
about Ills own destruction and is engaged in tlie perpetration
of evil deeds. And in this way, thyself, the perpetrator oJ
vicious acts, meeting with tliy end, those persons who had
been tyranized by thee, shall, delightedly, say — "Oh! blessed
;ire we since this terrible (RSkshasa) hath met with his end.
With wealth or riches thou shalt not be able to tempt me.
As tiie rays of the sun belong to him, so I am Rdghava's
only. II<iving laid my head on the beautiful arms of (h.it
lord of men, how shall 1 plnce it again on another's ? Like
unto the kn()wledi;c of one God monopolized by the Brahma-
nas only, I am the spouse of that lord of earth only, cognisant
of higher truths and marrying me acconlini^ to the pinus
ceremonials. May good betide thee, O KSvana. Do lliou
take me unto KS^ina. stricken with grief as I am, like unto
a she-elephnnt anxiously waitinsf in the fore^t broUiflit to the
lord of elepliants. It hehoveth thee to make friends with
Rama, that best of men, if dost thou desire to maintain thy
empire and dost not wish to brinsf about thy own dehtruction.
It is known to the world, that RSma knoweth well the
sanctions of relij^ion and is kind unto them who seek his
slielter. Do thou seek his friendship, if dost thou wish to
maintain thy life. Do thou propitiate him therefore who is
kind to his dependents and it becometh thee to take me
re.spectfuUv unto him. Thou shalt meet with thy well-bein;;
it dost thou in tins wise confer me on that best of RagliD9.
And mighty is the disaster that shall befall thee, if dost thou
f«ih»w anv other procedure. Thunderbolt, even, when hurled,
may leave thee, Death himself may overlook thee — but there
is 'no safrty for thee, if Kftghava. the lord of men is enraged-
Thou shalt hear the terrible sound of the twang of R&nia*«
how, like unto the sound of the thunderbolt hurled by Indra.
Soon shall arrows,l)earing the names of Rama and Lak^hmaM
and haviui^ lierv lead-i like those of snakes, alight here.
And coveied with Ji'unkn leaves they shall undoubtedly- coTef

SUNDARaKANDAM. 955

Ihe whole city and. devastate it by destroying all the Raksh-
sas. Like unto Garuda pulling up the snakes, the Garuda-
like RSma shall puU up thy snake-like R^kshasas. And
like unto Vishnu recovering the effulgent Sree (the Goddess
ol wealth) from the Asuras, by crossing over the three worlds
with three foot-steps, my husband, the conqueror of foes, shall
recover me from thee. Janasthina hath been devastated. the host
of R&kshasas hath been killed, and thou hast been disabled.
Truly thou hast perpetrated an impious deed. O Rfikshasa,
those two lions among men going out to enquire about the
illusive deer, I was ravished by thee, entering the empty
hermitage, O vile wight. And like unto a dog incapable
oi standing before a tiger, it would have been impossible
for thee, to wait there in the presence of Rama and Laksh-
mana. If dost thou engage in conflict with them, thy
wealth and friends shall be of no avail unto thee (and
thou shalt be dis-comfitted; like unto one-handed Asura
Vitra by the two handed Indra.* Soon shall my husband,
with the assistance of Lakshmana, draw out thy life with
arrows, like unto the sun drying up, by his rays, shallow
water. Whether dost thou repair to the abode of Kuvera,
or whether dost thou, terrified, take refuge unto the as<;embly
of Varuna, thou shalt» for certain, be destroyed by the son
of Da^aralha, like unto a mighty tree broken down by
thunderbolt.

* The aUasion \% — the mighty Asura Vitra fought with Indra for a Ion|f
time even after he had his one hand chopped off. - T.

936 RXmXYANA.

SECTION XXIi.

JlL CARING tliosc harsh accents, that lord of RSkshasas,
replied unto Sit^, of comely presence, with the following
unpleasant words' — "It is generally found on earth that
the more a woman is courted by a man, the more she is
brought under his influence. (But for thee) the more kindly
I have been behaving towards thee, tlie more roughly I have
been treated. Truly doth my love for thee keep in control
the wrath like unto a good charioteer restraining tlie
swerving stead. O mighty is amour unto men, for on
whom tliis amour falleth^ albeit she is an object of wrath,
becomes an object of kindness and affection. O thou of
fair countenance, it is for this reason, that 1 do not destroy
thee, although thou, who art engaged in false asceticism, art
worthy of being killed and dishonored. O Maithilee, for each
and every one of all those harsh words which thou hast
used by me, dost thou deserve death.'' Having spoken
thus unto Vaidelii, R^vana, the lord of Rftkhasas, having
his wrath subdued, again hespake Sitft: "I shall wait
for those two months, of which I have made a contract,
after which thou shalt have to share my bed, O thon of a
comely presence. And even then if thou dost refuse to regard
me as thy husband, my cooks shall mince thy limbs with
steel and serve thee for my morning meal." Beholding
tlie lord of R^kshasas remonstrate with the daughter of
Janaka in this wise, the daughters of the celestials and
Gandharbas became exceedingly sorry. . Some with lips, some
with eyes, and some with gestures of their faces, they all con*
soled Sita, thus distressed by that R&kshasa. And thus con-
soled by them, and being proud of her good conduct and her
husband's heroism, Sit& thus addressed Rftvana. the Iwd
of R&kshasas, "Forsooth there is no person in this city

SUN DA RAKANDA M. 957

who desiretli tliy welfare and therefore preventelh tliee from
such an impious deed. Who is there in the three worlds,
who even desireth me in mind, who am the spouse of the
virtuous-souled (R&ma) like unto Indra's Sachee. O thou
the vilest of the R&kshasas, for usin^j^ those vicious words
towards the spouse of R&ma, of immeasured prowess, repair-
ing whither shalt thou escape vengeance ? Like unto
an infuriated elephant encountering a hare in the forest, thou
shalt O Vile ! a hare as thou art, meet with tliat elephant-
like RSma. Thou art not ashamed of railing that lord of
Ikshwakus, ^o long as dost thou not come within his ken.

0 base! why do not thy grim, terrible, coppery eyes, looking
so viciously at me, fall down on earth. O vicious wretch,

1 am the spouse of that virtuous-souled (R§ma) and daughter-
in-law of Da^aratha — using these vile words towards
me, why dost not thy tongue fall off? O Ten- necked
one, I can instantly reduce thee to ashes but for Rama's
mandate and my ascetic observances. Thou couldst not have
ravished me in the presence of the highly intelligent Rama.
And undoubtedly for thy destruction this hath been brought
about by God. Thou art heroic and Kuvera's brother and
great in prowess, why didst thou then take me by stealth
after despatching Rima away from the hermitage?" Hear-
ing those words of Sit§, Ravaiia, the lord of Rakshasas,
whirling his grim eyes, looked towards the daughter of Janaka.
He was like unto a mass of blue clouds and his arms and
necks were long and spacious. He was gifted with elephan-
tine gaits and his tongues and eyes were sharp and flaming.
The top of his crown was shaking and he had charming
garlands around his neck and his person sprinkled with paste.
He had crimson-coloured garlands and clothes on and his
charming arms were adorned with ornaments. Encircled
with a sword-belt around his waist he appeared like unto
Mandara, entwined by a snake at the time of the churning
>f the ocean. With his two plump arms^ that lord of

9:8 RAM A VAN A.

Kakshasas appeared like unto the hill Mandara with its Iwo
huge summits. And adorned with a pair of Kundaias* resembl-
ini^ the newly risen Sun he looked like a hill covered with
two Asoka trees enveloped wilh crimson flowers and leaves,
lie was like unto Kalpa\ tree and spring incarnate.
And albeit adorned, he looked terrible like unto a CaityaX on
the cremation-ground. And having his eyes red hot with ire,
sighing again and again like unto a snake and casting his
looks upon Sita, RSvana addressed her again, saying, — "0
thou following asceticism, this thy vow is without any
meaning and beyond the pale of morality. Even shall I
destroy thee to-day like unto the Sun dispelling darkness
with his rays." Having thus addressed Maithilee, the ini-
mical king Ravana cast his looks towards the grim-visageJ
Rakshasees. And among those R&kshasees, some had huge
ears, some had ears like those of kine,some had ears as long as
arms, some had long ears and others were without any. And
some had legs like those of an elephant ; some had like those of
a cow and some had legs covered with hairs. And some had
one eye, some had one leg, some had capacious legs and some
were without any. And some had huge heads and necks and
some had breast and belly beyond proportions and some had
faces and eyes above human size. Some had huge tongues
and nails. And some were without noses. And some had
leonine faces, some had faces like those of kine and some
had those of boars. And casting his look towards such
Rakshasees, he said — ''Ye RSLkshasees, do ye all endeavour
to bring Sita, the daughter of Janaka, under my control.
By good or bad conduct, by conciliation or gift, by threat or
blandishment, do ye so endeavour as Vaidehi's soul might be
bent unto me." And having ordered thus again and again,

* A kind of ornament worn on ears. — T.
t A fabulou* tree granting everything desired. — T.

I A moniinicnt or sculpture raised in honor of a deceased person oa ibc
site of a funeral pyre. — T.

SUNDARAKAnDAM 959

that lord of R&kshas£^, stricken with amour and ire, address-
ed Sita, roaring fiercely. And th*?reupon approaching speedily
and embracing the Ten-necked one, one KSkshasee named
DhSLnyamalini bespake him : — **Do thou sport with me.,
0 great king. What shalt thou do with her ? — O lord of
RSkshasas — a human being,poorly and of a pale countenance.
O great king, forsooth, the celestials have not destined for
her enjoyment all those objects which thou hast procured
by thy prowess. And again he who desireth for an unwilling
dame burnetii his own person — and he who desireth for a
willing damsel, attaineth excess of delight.'* Having said
this, the Rakshasee took awny Ravana by force. And that
R&kshasa too, resembling a mass of clouds, laughing, turned
back. And that Ten-necked one, strode away as if shaking the
whole earth and passed within (l/is queen's) abode resembling
the effulgent Sun. And encircling Ravana those daughters
of celestials Gandharbas and Nagas, entered into an excel-
lent abode. And having remonstrated with and left behind,
the firm and pious Sita with a trembling person, Ravana,
possessed by amour entered into his own palace.

SECTION XXII I.

•:0:0:-

JlLaving spoken thus unto Maithilee and commanded the
hoi>t of the Rikshasees, RSvana, a terror unto his enemies,
went away. And after that lord of Rakshasas had gone
away and entered his inner apartment, the hideous RSksha-
sees drew near SitS. And approaching SitS that terrible
host, almost faint with ire, addressed Vaidehi with the
following harsh words — **Thou dost not regard it highly,
SitSi, that thou shalt become the chosen wife of that high-
souled, and great RSlvana, the Ten-necked son of Pulastya."

960 RK MAY ANA.

Thereupon another Rakshasee name4 Ekjatl, with eyes
rendered coppery with ire, addressing Sit&. having a small
navel, said, — "Pulastya is the fourth of the six PrajSpatis,*
a mind-born son of BrahmA and celebrated in the world.
And the glorious ascetic, by name Bishravft was the mind-
born son unto Pulastya, effulgent like unto PrajSpatis. 0
large-eyed damsel ! Of VisravSi came R&vana terrible unto
his enemies. And it behovcth thee to become the consort of
that lord of Rakshasas. Scorn not the words I say unto thee,
O thou of comely presence." TluTonpon another Rftksha*
see named Harijai&, having the eyes of a cat, and whirling
them with ire, said — *It becometh thee to be Ihe wife
of that lord of R&kshasas who smote the thirty three
celeslinls and their lord in battle. Dost thou not desire to
be his wife, who is heroic, of indomitable prowess aod
who doth not turn back in battle? And turning away in
scorn from his beloved wife, highly esteemed, the mighty
king Ravana, desireth for thee. And leaving his iuncr
apartment enriched with thousand of females and adorned
with various jewels, Rjivana shall adore thee." And then
followed another Rakshasee by name Bikat&— "The king,
who by his terrible prowess subdued the Gandharbasf ud
N^oris,:!: u\ battle, hath stood by thee. O foolish damsel,
why dost thou not wish to be the consort of that higb-souled
lord of RiUshasas — Ravana, gifted with wealth and riches."
And then followed another Rakshasee named Durmukbee.—
''Why dost thou not approach him, O thou having expansive
eyes, by whose fear, the sun doth not shine, and the wind
doth not blow. O dame, why dost thou not wish to be the
consort of Ravana, the lord of Rftkshasas, at whose cominaBd
the trees shower blossoms and the hills and clouds potf
down water. Why dost thon not make up thy mind lo be

* Prnj«\pitis arc the lords of the created beings first created bj BnharfL— T
t Heavenly singers and musicians who belong to the heaTeii o( Iadia.-~T.
X Serpent-gods who dwell in the regions uuder the earth.

SVNDARAKXnDAM 961

he wife of Rivana ? O damsel, O worshipful dame, we
iav« spoken thus for thy welfare. Do thou comply with
mr request or thou shalt surely die."

SECTION X XI v.

X HEREUPON all those Rakshasees, having terrible facei^
igain and again pursued SitSi with reproaches rougii and
•ude. — **Why dost thou not desire, O SitS, to live in his
niier apartment, liked by all and abounding in costly bed-
steads. O woman, thou regardest highly to be the wife of
I man. Do thou turn back from R&ma — thy desire shall
lever be satisfied. Do thou spend happily thy days with
3ur lord— Ravana, the R&kshasa chief, who makes his own
:he treasures of the three worlds. Thou art a woman, O
Jiou of comely presence, and therefore doth thy fancy clintr
to Rami, O thou of a blameless countenance, who is a man,
ieprived of his kingdom, overwhelmed with disasters and
hath his desires frustrated." Hearing the words of those
Rikshasees, the lotus-eyed Siift, with her eyes full of tenrs
said.— ''What ye have all said and which is against human
usage and vicious, doth not find place in my mind. A
woman cannot be the wife of a R^kshasa. Eat me up if
you will, I will never follow your words. Poor or deprived
of kingdom, he who is my hunband, is tny preceptor. 1 am
;ver devoted unto him, like Subarchal^* unto the Sun. Like
unto the great Sachi standing by Sakra, Arundhuti by Vas-
liishta, Rohini by the Moon, Lopamudra by Agistya, Sukanya
by Chyabana, SSLbitree by Sntyabana, Sreematee by Kapila,
Madayantee by Sandasa,Kcshince by Sagara f(U<i Dama^anli
the daughter of the king Veema by her husband Nala, I shall
ever remain devoted to my husband RSlma, the foremost of
the descendants of Ikshawku." Hearing the words of Sita, all

♦ The wife of the sun. — T.
121

962 RlMlYANA.

those RSLkshasces despatched by RSlvana, almost beside tlicin-
selves with ire, again covered her with reproaches rough and
rude. And HanumSLii remained all alonfj^ speechless and
hidden on the Shingshapa tree. And that monkey heard all
those demons remonstrate with SitS in this way. And those,
influenced with ire, approached the trembling Sit2 and
encircling her, licked again and again their long and burning
lips. And taking up instantly spears, they exceedingly wroth,
menaced her, saying — 'She is not worthy of having R&vana, the
lord of the Rakshasas, as her lord." Being thuft remonstrated
with by those terrible Rikshasees, that excellent dambel,
sheddintj tears, n cared the Singshapa tree. And the large-
eyed Sitii, encircled by the R^kshasces^ remained there sunk
in grief. And all those hideous demons, showered reproaches,
from all sides, on her, greatly reduced, of a poorly counten-
ance, and wearing a soiled cloth. Thereupon a grim-visagrd
demon, angry, havint^ hideous teeth and a huge belly extending
downwards, by name Vinat&, spake, sayini^ :— **0 Sit2, thou
Itast shown enough of attachment towards thy husktnd.
r3ut, O gentle dame, excess of any thing tends to evil. We
are satisfied. And may ^ood betide thee ! Thou hast acted
worthily like a woman. Do thou hear, O Maithilee, what
1 say for thy welfare. Dj thou accept, R2Lvana, the lord of
the RcLkshasa host, as thy husband. He withstands power*
fully his enemies like unto V'asava, the lord of the celestials,
charitable, kind unto all, and sweet-speeched. And for-
sakin<|^ Rama, a poor wight, do thou take R&vana (as thj
husband). Having thy person sprinkled with celestial paste
and adorned with excellent ornaments, do thou from to*day
O V^aidehi, O thou of comely presence, become the queen of
all the worlds, like unto Sachee of the lord of the celesUab
and svdha^ of the lire. What shalt thou do with Rims,

* .\n exclamation used in m.'iking an oblation to the Gods. A
tion of the preceding as the wife of fire and Goddess presidinf
offerings. — T.

Sl/XDA RA KlNDA M, 963

O Vaidehi, poor and of limited life ? This is what I say
and if dost thou not follow it we shall all instantly banquet
on thee." And thereupon another Rakshasee named Vikata,
having her breast hanging long, exercised with ire, and
clinching her fist, addressed, roaring, Sita — '^O foolish daugh-
ter of the king of Mithila, we have put up with all thy
foolish words only out of compassion, and because thou art
a feeble being. It will not lead to thy well-being if thou
dost not hear our words. Thou hast been brought here, the
other side of the ocean, difficult of being approached by
others. Thou hast come within the terrible abode of Ravana
O Maithilee, and hast been shut up in his room guarded by
us all. And even, Purandara's* self cannot save you. Do
thou therefore hear, O Maithilee, my well-meaning words.
Why dost thou shed tears ? Renounce thy useless grief.
Do thou become happy and delighted, renouncing thy conti-
nued melancholy. Do thou sport, O Sita, at thy pleasure,
with the lord of the Rakshasas. We know, for certain, O
timid damsel, that the youth of the females, is very transient.
And so long as thy youth doth not fade, do thou pass thy days
happily, O thou having inebrite eyes, with the lord of
Rikshasas, in picturesque gardens, and mountain forests.
Do thou take, O fair damsel, Ravana, the lord of the Raksh-
sas, for thy husband, and thousands of females shall be placed
at thy service. If dost thou not follow, what I say, O
Maithilee, I shall taking out thy heart, banquet on it."
Thereupon another grim-visaged Rakshasee, named,
ChaudodorSL, shaking her terrible spear, said — "Beholding
this Siti having the eyes of a young antelope and her breast
trembling with fear, my earnest desire, as I am enctente,
hath been to banquet on her large eyes, lever, spleen, her
plump hands, heart, other limbs and head." Thereupon
another RSikshasee named Praghasa said — "I shall grind
the throat of this cruel woman. What are you doing, sitting

♦ Another name of Irvdra — the lord of the celestials. — T.

964 rAmKiaiva.

liere ? Ye shall then relate unto the king that the iroman
ts dead. And undoubtedly he shall say *Do ye eat her up."
And thereupon another RS^kshasee named Ajftmukhee said
*'l do not like quarrels. Let us all divide her into equal
portions. Bring soon our favourite drink and various
garlands/' Then followed another Rdkshasee by name
Surpanakha, — 'I do fully concur with what Aj&mukhi halh
said. Bring soon wine, the remover of all griefs. Banquetting
on human flesh I shall dance before the queen NikumbhiU.*'
Being thus threatened by those grim-visaged R&kshasecs
Sita, resembling: the daughter of a celestial, renouncing pali-
rnco, began to weep.

SECTION XXV.

jhLnd those hideous R^kshasees thus tlireatning her «itH
repronchf^s rude and roui>h, the daughter of the kin|r Jaoaka
began to weep. And being thus addressed by those Rlksha-
sees, Vaidehi, of subdued soul, being greatly terrified, said.
havini^ her voice choked with vapour,— *• A woman can never
be the wife of a RSikshasa. E it me up if you will, 1 shall
never follow your words." And being surrounded by tlie
R^kshasees and threatened by RSvana, SitS, resembling the
danorhter of a celestial, stricken with grief, could not console
herself. And trembling, she shrank from their presence like
unto a strayed fawn surrounded by wolves. And resortiog
to a flowery branch of an Asoka tree, she sunk in itrief,
thought upon her lord. With tears she bathed her bfantiM
breast and oppressed with woe, she could not reach the other
bank of the ocean of grief. Like a plantain tree shaken by the
breeze, she shook and fell down trembling (on the earth).
And being afraid of the Rikshasees, her cheeks forsook their
native hue. And herself trembling, her pretty long lock of

SUiXDA Ra KlNDAM, 965

liair also shook and appeared like a serpent moving this way
and that. Overvvhehned with grief and beside lierself wiih
ire, thf! daughter of the kin^ of MithilSL, wept and exclaimed
sorrowfully,-*-* 'O mother Kausalya ! O queen Sumitra ! true
is the saying of the wise that death doth never approach un-
timely thtt male or the female. Or else I would not l)ave livt- d
for a moment, separated from Rlma and oppressed by tiie
R&kshasees as I am. Limited is my virtue, and therefore I
am to die the death of a poor deserted tiling like unto a
bark driven by the blast in the midst of the ocean. Debarred
frpm my husband's sight and tortured by the hideous demons,
I ^hall sink» oppressed with woes, like unto the banks of a
river, wiished by the wMer. Oh blest are they who have
been resting their eyes upon noy grateful and sweet-speecht-d
lord of Iqonine gaits, having eyes resembling lotus petals !
And separated frpm H^ma of subdued soul, it is as difficult
for me to breathe a3 for him who hath drank up virulent
poi«pn. What mighty iniquity had I perpetrated in my
previous exUtence that I have met with this terrible disaster!
1 wi^h to renounce my life under this load of grief — but alas !
I am surrounded by the RS^kshasees and cannot meet RSLma.
Oh I cqrsed is this (subject human life, that they cannot
reoQUQCQ it even at their pleasure" !

SECTION XXVI.

J^AVING this, the daughter of the king Janaka, batlied her
countenance with tears and hanging down her head began
to lament. And she began to roll on the earth like unto
a colt as if she was mad, possessed by a devil and had lost
her sense. '*I, the spouse of Rima, who was drawn away
at €i distance by the RSikshasa (M^richa) assuming shapes
at will, was seized and borne away by R&vatiH. A captive

g66 RlMAVANA,

of the Raksliasas, subject to tlicir terrible threats and taunts,
sunk in grief and anxiety, — I desire not to keep my life. Of
what avail are wealth, ornament and life unto me, who am
livinar in the midst of the Rakshasas and separated from
Rama, of the mighty car ? Forsooth my life is made of
stone, imperishable and immortal since it is not riven asunder
even by this mighty grief. Woe to me ! who am unchaste
and vile and my life is vicious, since breathe I still in the
absence of my lord. What of Rxing my fancy on that night-
ranger, my meaner foot even shall not touch him ? That
(demon) who is courting me in this terrible way, doth
not know himself, his own race and that I loathe him so
much. What more shall I speak unto you, I shall never
consent to RSvana's prayer, I might be rent from limb to limb
or burnt in fire. RSghava is grate^ful, true, wise and kind.
I fear it is through my ilUIuck that he doth not feel pity for
me. Will he not take me back who alone slew the thou*
sands of the R^shasas in JanasthSna ? I have been captured
l)y Ravana, a Rakshasa of feeble prowess. Forsooth my
lord is capable of slaying this Rlvana in confiict. Will
not that Rama regain me, by whom was killed in the
forest of Dandaka, Viradha, the foremost of the Rikshasa
crew ? Although situated in the midst of the ocean, LankS
is unapproachable by others, but RSghava's arrows shall also
reach here. (I am at a loss to ascertain) why R&nia of
firm prowess, doth not regain me, his beloved spouse who
have been borne away by the] Rakshasa. Methinks R2ma
doth not know that I am here, or else, powerful as he is, he
would not h.ivc put up with this insult. That lord of vultures,
who could have informed Raghava. of my being borne away
by the Rdkshasa, was killed by Rftvana in the battle. 0
great was tho work done by him, who, old as he was, for mf
sako. addressed himself to bring about RSvana's destruction.
If RSghava could know that I was here, he, exceedingly
wroth, would have cleared the earth with his arrows, of the

SUI^DARaKINDAM. 967

RSlkshasas. He would have then burnt down the city of Lanka,
dried up the deep and blotted out the name and fame of
Ravana. And from each ruined home would have risen the
Rakshasa widows* groans and cries like unto those of mine.
And instituting enquiries, along with Lakshmana, he shall
soon reduce Lanka to this plight. And observed by them
the enemy shall not live for a moment. And in no time,
shall Lanka, assume the appearance of a cremation ground,
having all her high ways enveloped with smoke issuing out of
the funeral pyres, and filled with vultures. And soon shall tliis
desire of mine be fulfilled. All these words of mine do sound
improbable now but they all indicate your misfortune. Besides
from these bad omens, that are to be seen here, it appeareth,
that Lank^ shall soon be shorn of her grace. The lord of the
Rakshasas, the vicious Ravana being killed, forsooth shall
Lanka, divested of wealth, appear like a widow. This Lanka,
which is now full of pious ceremonies, shall, on the death of
the Rakshasas and their master, appear like a husbandless
woman. For certain, shall I soon hear the cries and groans
in every house, of the daughters of the Rakshasas worn with
grief. If that heroic R^ma, having dark-blue eyes, comes to
know that I am in the abode of the Rakshasas, the city of
Lank^ shall be burnt down with his arrows and shall be
stricken with darkness and shorn of grace and all the fore-
most of the Rakshasas shall be destroyed. The time which
was appointed by the vile and cruel Ravana, hath arrived.
And that vicious wretch hath resolved to destroy me now.
There is no crime which cannot be perpetrated by those
vicious demons. Mighty is the disaster that shall arise on
account of this crime — the RSLkshasas who live on flesh do
not know what virtue is. Forsooth shall the R&kshasa serve
me for his morning meal. What shall I do without my lord
of comely presence ? Debarred from my husband's pre3ence,
stricken with grief and not beholding Rama, having dark-blue
eyes, I shall soon meet with death. R&ma, the elder brother

963 RAMAyANA.

of Bharata, doth not know tliat I am still alive or else he
and Lakshmana would have ransacked the whole world for
me. Or renouncing liis body on this earth for my grief, the
heroic elder brother of Lukshinana, hath repaired to the
celeslial rtrgion. Blessed are the celesliaUi Gandharl>a4}
Si«ldlias and mighty ascetics who are beholding my heroic
lotus-eyed Kiina. Ur that highly intelligent royal asccli:
de&iroub of sccurinjj piety and freed from the troubles of
life, lialh no need of a wife like me. Or people ba\e fancy
for what they see and which disappeateth as soon as the
object is out of sight. The ungrateful are capable of renoun-
cing their love, but not Rama. Or there might be some
folly in me. Ur on the wane of my good luck have
been separ<tted ironi the excollent KSLma. Death is more
preferable unto me than life since I have been separated
trom the high-souled heroic K& ma, of unblemished character
and the blayer of toes. Or those two brothers, the foremost
of men, laying aside their weapons, and living on fruits and
roots, have been wandering in the forest. Or those two
heroic brothers K^nia and Lakshmana, have been, by trea-
chery, put to death, by the vicious-souled R&vana, the lord
of K&kshasas. At this time of distress, 1 do with all my heart
long tor death, — ^but alas !; even death is not approaching
me in this my misery. Oh blessed are those liigh-soulcd,
great ascetics abiding by truth and having their senses iu
control, who have no objects of love or displeasure. They
are not distressed with misery for their objects of love or
grief for them whom they do not love. They are freed from
them and I do bow unto those higli*souled ones. Being
forsaken by the beloved R&ma, knowing his owuselfi and
brought under the control of Rftvana, I sball renounce
my life."

SUA DA Xa KlNDA At. 969

SECTION XXVI 1 .

•lO:©:-

EING thus addressed angrily by Sit&, some of those
^SLkshasees, beside themselves with ire, proceeded to relate this
unto the vicious-soulcd RHvana. And approaching Siti
those grim-visaged demons again addressed her with words
rode and rough. **0 vile Sita, O thou bent on committing sin,
vre RSiksliasees s1)all to-day devour thy flesh to the best of our
satisfaction." Beholding those vile demons threaten SitS, a
^&kshasa matron, wise and old, named, Trijati cried — **0
^ile demons, do ye eat your own persons* but do not devour
Sil&, the daughter of Janaka and the esteemed daughter-
n-law of the king Da^aratha. I dreamt a terrible dream
ast night which made my down stand on their end. And
n that dream I foresaw the overthrow of the Rakshasa race
tnd the conquest of her husband. '^ And being thus address-
ed by Trijati, those demons, exercised with wrath and
errified, accosted her with the following words, — **Do thou
elate (unto us) what sort of dream didst thou dream last
light." And hearing those words proceedinjjf from the
nouths of the Rakshasees, Trijaii began to describe the
iream she had at the latter end of the night, — **I saw RSina,
jvearing garlands and clothed in white, ride in a celestial
rharriot, along with Lakshmana, made of ivory, traversing
:he etherial regions and drawn by a hundred steeds. I saw
in my dream to-night, that Sit&, clad in the purest white,
ippearing on a snow-white hill beaten by the waves of the
>cean, had at last met R^ma, like unto light joined to the
3un. And I again saw R&ma and Lakshmana appear in
effulgence, seated on a huge elephant, having four tusks
jnd resembling a bull. Thereupon those two (brothers),

• The proper expression, I think, should be — "Eat me." The commenta-
or Ram&nuja explains Atmanam as your own bodies. — T.

122

970 RllillVANA.

resplenclant like unto the Sun by their own effulgence, an!
wearing white crarlands and clothes, appeared near Janaka'^
daughter. And the lotus eyed Janaki, on the top of the hill
situate on the welkin, first fell on the lap of her husbanii
and then stationed herself on the neck of the elephant
gruided by her husband. Then I saw SitS rubbing the Sun and
the Moon with her two hands. And then that best of the
elephants, with those two princes and the large eyed Sill on
him, stood high above LankSl. I again saw RSma, clad in
white, and adorned with grarlands, ride along with Lakshin;)na
ill a charriot drawn by eight white bullocks. 1 again saw
that highly energetic, best of men — RSLma, having truth foe
his prowess, along with his brother Lakshmana and Siti flee
to Northern realms, ascending a celestial flowery charriot
resembling (in brightness) the Sun. And I saw RS van a too.
shaved and shorn, besmeared with oil, wearing a crimson
cloth, drinking honey, wearing^ a garland of Karavira flowers,
fall down on earth from the flowery charriot. And dragged
by a woman, shaved, wearing a red cloth and garlands
and sprinkled with crimson paste, Rivana was again seen
by me riding in a charriot drawn by asses. And quaffing oil,
laughing and dancing, that one of agitated senses, forgettini^
himself sped on the charriot to the South.* And I agaii
saw Havana, the lord of the RSkshasas, stricken with fear,
fall, headless, down on the earth. And then rising all on a
sudden, and uttering obscene and inconsistent words like unto
a maniac. Ravana overwhelmed with fear, and amazement,
and intoxicated, fell into a mass of dirt, stinking and
rrsembling the very hell. And again proceeding to the
South he entered into a lake devoid of mud and water. And
a dark woman, clad in a crimson cloth, and bedaubed wilH
mud, (Iragired the Ten-nccked demon, entwining herself

In the south is the ro^^ion of Vam.i.the God of Death and lience lib gotaf

ij tlic Suulh is not an auspirious >ii;n. — T.

SUN DA RA KlNDAM, 9 /r

round his neck. Then followed the mighty Kumvakarna^
md all the sons of R^vana, shaved and shorn and besmeared
irith oil. And they all proceeded southward — the Ten-necked*
femoD on a boar, Indrajitf on a porpoise, and Kumvakarna
on a camel. I saw only Biveesana, with a white umbrella
and accompanied by four courtkrs, range in the welkin.
And there was audible in the large assembly sound of music
and stringed instruments. And ail the RSkshasas wearing
: crimson clothes and garlands, were quaffing oil. I
fliaw the royal and picturesque city Lanka with her steeds,
cnrs and elephants, drowned in the ocean, having her gate-
, ways and ornamented arches broken. And in LankS, covered
with dust, RSkshasa women, laughing; and making terrible
souod^ were engaged in quaffing oil. I saw all the leading
R&kshasas — Kumvakarna and others, dark-hucd and wearing
crimson clothes^ emerged in an abyss of cow dung. Do ye
therefore fiy at some distance, and will find that RSighava
shall regain Siti. And exercised with ire he shall destroy
you all along with the RSLkshasas. Raghava shall never
brook, his esteemed and beloved spouse, living in the forest,
being taunted and threatened by you. No more with rough
words therefore ; do you console the lady and humbly pray
her to forgive you. This I think proper. Surely shall she,
divested of misfortune, be reconciled to her beloved
and excellent husband, regarding whom, in her misery, I
have dreamt such a dream* Ye R&kshasees ! You have
threatened her, do ye implore her forgiveness — no more
with harsh words. Forsooth, from Raghava shall proceed
the mighty disaster of the RSLkshasas. If Maithilee, the
daughter of the king Janaka, be pleased with you (for
your imploring her forgiveness) you might be saved from
the mighty disaster. 1 do not perceive any inauspicious

• Rivana's brother.— T.

t RAvana's son — the name signifies the conqueror of the lord of the celes-
tial*.—T.

97^ I^i^/iI'AyA.

mark on the person of this large-eyed dame. Ft appears
from the paleness of her countenance that she hath been
overcome by mlbfortune. And I saw (in my dreamt this
wor.'^hipful dan.sel, unworthy of any misfortune, stationed
in the welkin. Verily I do perceive, before me, the satisfaction
of Vaidehi's em], the destruction of the lord of the R&kshasas
and the conquest of Raghava. Behold I there, lier left eye.
spacious, as a lotus-petal, is dancing to hear this pleasant
<lream announcing the satisfaction of her own end. And her
left arm is also dancing with joy, all on a sudden. And her
excellent beautiful left thigh, resembling the trunk of an
elephant, is also dancing as if indicating, that she shall at
no distant date, be reconciled to Raghava. And the birds,
again and again, entering their nests, and highly deltghtet)
are pouring forth their notes announcing the advent of a
))appy occasion." Thereupon that modest dame, greatly
delighted in the prospective conquest of her husband, said —
•'If this be true I shall save you all."

SECTION XXVI ll.»

Xd-FARING those unpleasant words of RSvana. the lord
of Rakshasas, Sita, racked with sorrow on arcount of her
husband, became terrified, like unto a she-elephant, worsted
by a lion on the skirt of a forest. Threatened by R&vana
and encircled by the Rakshasees, that timid damsel bewailed
like a girl cast off in a lonely forest. "Truly the sages say
that death in this world doth not come untimely. Or else

• The sections 28 and 29 arv not found in all the texts. They mre found is
Bongril edition. Gorressio tr.insl.itis it :ind remarks — "I think the chapter
XX\'III — The au>;picions si^ns — is an addition, a later interpolation by tkc
Rhapsodists. It has no bi)nd of connection cither with what precedesi or followf
it antl iii.iy In- btnick out without injury." We have however thought it proper
to Rive a full version. — T.

SUXDA RA KlXDA M. 973

would I have, vicious as I am, lived for a moment, beingr
thus sorely threatened. Forsooth, my mind, divested of
happiness and full of misery, is firm or else why is it not
broken in sunder like unto the summit of a hill clapped
by a thunderbolt. Nor am I to blame for this — I am worthy
of being killed by this demon of uncomely presence. As a
Brahmana cannot impart instructions in Vi^das unto the people
of other castes so I shall not confer my mind on Havana.
If that lord of the people doth not come within the appoint-
ed time, forsooth shall that vile lord, of the Rakshasas, mince
my limbs with his arrows like unto a surgeon cutting oflF
the limbs of an embryo.* Two months shall pass away in
no time and I shall have to suffer the pain of death, over-
whelmed with sorrow as I am, like unto a thief, confined in
stocks, at the command of the sovereign to receive death the
next morning. O RSma I O Lakshmana ! O Sumitra ! O Raima's
mother! O my mothers! I am worsted in this ocean of
grief, like unto a bark, driven hither and thither by the
blast, in the midst of an ocean. Verily for me, those two
powerful, lion-like sons of the king, have been killed by
(this demon) effulgent like the lightning and assuming the
semblance of a deer. Unfortunate as I am, forsooth I was
tempted then by death wearing the shape of a deer and
thus foolishly lost RSma and Lakshmana, the sons of the
worshipful sire. O RSLma, O thou of truthful vows, O thou
of long arms, O thou having the countenance of a full moon !
O my life ! engaged as thou art in the welfare of the people,
dost thou not perceive that I am about to be killed by the
Rftkshasas. Alas ! this my devotedness unto my hu^'band, my
forgiveness, my lying down on the bare earth, my observance
of religious vows, my wife-like virtues, are lost like unto
service done for an ungrateful wight. In vain are my
pious rites, and in vain is my devotedness unto my

* This Tpassage clearly indicates that there were proficient and skilled sur-
geons at the time when RiUndyana was written. — T.

974 RImIvAXA.

Iiusband — since I do not beljoM thee, am pale and feeble iff
thy absence and have given up all hopes of seeing thee. And
duly satisfying thy sire's command, and returning success-
fully from the forest, thou slfalt fearlessly sport with many
a damsel having large eyes. (But for me) Q RS,ma, I was
for my own destruction-, devoted, soul and heart, unto thee.
Oh! fruitlesss is my asceticism and wifely virtue f Oh fie
on me ! I shall renounce this m-y unfortun'ate life. I* desire
to do away speedily with my bei-ng by means of poison
or a sharp weapon. But there is no one in this city of the
Rakshasas, who bringeth me this poison or weapon." Bewail-
ing thus in various accents, and remembering R&ma with
all her heart, Sita, having her countenance dried up, and
trembling, got at the biggest tree enveloped with flowers.
And thinking thus, Sita, stricken with grief, took up in her
hand, her braid of hair and thought — "I shall soon hang
myself with this braid and reach the abode of Death. And
that one of tender person reached the tree, and holding a
branch, began to think of Rama, Lakshmana, aiid the glory *
of her race. And on her person were perceived many
auspicious marks, well-known in the world, removing gricf^
fostering patience, and announcing the advent of future
welfare.

SECTION XXIX.
:00

Xjike unto servants waiting upon a wealthy persoff
various auspicious omens waited upon Siti of a blameless and
comely person, racked with grief and divested of joy. And
the large left eye of that dame having graceful hairs, having
dark pupils, white ends and thick eyc-lashes, began to dance
like a lotus shaken by a fish. And her beautiful, round,
plump left hand, which, ere this, sprinkled with costly agmrit

SUN DA RA KlNDAM, 975

^nd sandal, used to serve for a pillow unto RSma, began to
dance now again and again after a long time. And her well
built plump left thigh, resembling the trunk of an elephant,
-dancing, announced that she would soon behold R&ma.
And the gold-hued cloth, now covered with dust, of that
damsel of a comely person, having teeth like pomegranate
seeds, slipped a little off its place. And being enlivened by
those and various other auspicious omens, she attained joy
4ike unto a seed, spoiled by the wind and the sun, growing
afresh in the rainy season. And her countenance, having
Jips led as Bimba fruits, beautiful eyes, eye-brows extending
•to ears, curling eye-lashes and white teeth, again appeared
graceful like unto the Moon released from the full grasp of
J^dhu.* Her grief and exhaustion were removed — sorrow was
pacified and her heart was filled with joy. And she with her
countenance appeared beautiful like a lunar niglit beautified
i>y the rays of the Moon.

SECTI ON XXX.

•:00:-

.ND the powerful Hanumana, heard from the beginning
to the end (the bewailings) of Sita, the story of Trijata's
<]ream and the threats of the R&kshasees. And b«?holdingtlie
worshipful damsel, living in the forest of Asoka, like unto a
celestial damsel in the garden of Nandana, the monkey-
centered in a maze of anxious thoughts. "At length my
watchful eyes have seen her, whom have been seeking in
vain, the thousands and millions of the monkeys in all direc-
tions and quarters. Truly have I seen her to-day, engaged

♦ Like the Moon when full eclipse is just over — In mythology RAhu is the
son of SinikA, a daitya, with the tail of a dragon whose head was severed from-
his body by Vishnu, but being immortal this head and tail retained their sepa-
rate existence and being transferred to the stellar sphere, became the authors
of eclipses. — T,

976 /(i.MArANA,

as I have been as a spy to estimate the strength of the ememy
and am ranging secretly everywhere. I have seen minutely the
city of the Rakshasas, and the strength of Rftvana. the lord
of Raksliasasas. It now remains to console the spouse of
RSlma of incomparable power, and kind unto all, who pantc^th
for her lord. I shall console this damsel, having the
countenance of the full moon, who had never seen grief
before, and who shall not soon reach its end. And if I go
away without soothing this chaste lady, who is almost sense-
less with grief, I shall be blamed of neglect of duty. And if
1 go away, the royal daughter, the famed JSLnaki, finding no
means of safety, sh.ill, for certain, renounce her life. She is
worthy of being consoled like unto the great armed (Rftma)
having the countenance of the full-moon and anxious to
behold Sita. It is not propor to speak before the Rakshasas—
What shall I do then ? 1 am in very great difficulty. If
I do not console her at this latter end of the night, surely
shall she renounce her life. How shall I answer Rftma,
without consoling Sita of comely stature, when he will
ask me *'VVhat message from my SilS ?" And if I speedily
repair hence without any information regarding Sit5, surely
shall Kakuthstha scorch me lifeless with the fire of his angry
eyes. And if I urge my lord the king (Biveeshana) to bring
his hosts here for Rama, in vain shall be his toil*. And
seizing the occasion when she shall be free from her dcmo-
naic guards, I shall console her in her dire distress. And
a puny monkey as I am, I shall speak in Sanskritt which men
delight to use. And if I speak Sanskrit like a Brahmana, Sitft
shall be terrified considering me Ravana. Must I therefore
use the language of a common man J or else I shall not be able

* For before that Sita shall renounce her life — T.
t The language refined by the strict rules of grammar.— T,
t This passage clearly indicates that Sanskrit if not spoken by men, and
women of the upper classes of the time when R&mdyana was written, wa* at
least understood by them, and was commonly spoken by men of priestly class
and other educated persons." — T.

5 VSDA Ra KINDA M. 977

to console the Jam e of a blameless person. And beholding
tny monkey shape and hearing my human language she might
be afraid again, terrified as she had been before by the band of
the Rtkshasas. And considering me Rilvana wearing shapes
Ht will, that large-eyed and high-minded dame, shall cry pite-
OQsly for help. AndSita making a sudden noise, tliose terrible
R&kshasees resembling Death himself and armed with various
weapons, shall at once arrive there* And thereupon casting
their looks all around and finding me out, those highly power*
fal and grim-visaged demons shall try to kill or catch nie^
And beholding me leap from branch to branch and trunk to
trunk of big trees they shall be greatly alarmed. And espying
my appearance while ranging in the forest, those Rakshasees
f^reatly terrified, shall fill the wood with their wild shouts.
And then they shall call<to their assistance) all those R^ksha-
»ees engaged in guarding the abode of the lord of tlie
Rtksliasas, And they, greatly agitated, shall with vehemence
mrrive here, armed with dirts, arrows, scimitirs and various
other weapons. And being surrounded by them on all sides,
•f I do kill that hoift of demons, tired, I shall not be able to
bound over the main. And if that host of skilled demons,
succeed in making me a captive, ( too shall be in their hands
and Siti shall remain ignorant of my object. Or the Raksha*
sas, pernicious as they are, shall kill the daughter of Janaka,
«ilid there shall the great work of RSlma and Sugriva, be
spoiled. And J&naki liveth in this secret place, girt by the
ocean, guarded on all sides by the R^kshasas,difTicult of being
H^ot at and having all avenues to it shut up. If I am killed or
captured by RSkshasas in battle, I do not find any who can
help R^ma in his enterprise. Myself killed, I do not find
any monkey who can leap a hundred leagues across the sea.
I am capable of destroying thousands of RSkshasas, but I
shall not then be able to get at the other shore of the great
ocean. Victory or defeat is uncertain in a battle — I do not
(therefore) like to engage in such an uncertain (act). What

123

978 idMAFANA.

wise man merges certainty in uncertainty ? It is a great sin
in me (I own) to talk with Sit&-^But she will die if I do not
talk with her. Works, almost accomplished, when entrusted
to an inconsiderate emissary, are generally spoiled, out of
season and out of place, like unto darkness driven by the
appearance of the sun. All those works, which are generally
taken in hand after duly deliberating over their propriety and
impropriety, are generally s|>oiled by those emissaries who are
proud of their learning. What shall I do, by which my work
is not injured,! am not blamed of foolishness and my cross-
ing over the main doth not become fruitless ? What shall 1 do
so that Sita might listen to me without being terrified ?" Think*
ing over this, the intelligent Hanum&n arrived at a conclusion.
"I shall not disturb her, speaking (all on a sudden) about
RSlma of unwearied actions, dear unto her and to whom.
she is firmly attached. Uttering the name of RAma, the
foremost of the Ikshawkus, and of subdued soul and lauding
his piety and fame in sweet accents, I shall so manage that
Sita miglit hear and believe them.'' Beholding the spouse
of that high-souled lord of the earth and engaging in this
train of thoughts, HinumSn, stationed on a branch of the tree,
spoke the following sweet words.

SECT ION X XXI.

j\JLkdiiat[NT. thus the highly intelligent monkey spoke
in accents, swctH and in such a tone as they might be,
heard by Vaitlehi. *' There reignc<I a noblo and pious king
name<l Dai^arathn, hii^hly glorious amongst the Ikshawkoi,
the lord of the warrior-cars, steeds and elephants.
Devoid of envy, high-mindcil, kind, having truth for Us
prowt-ss. the foremost of the Ikshawku race, wealthy avd
the enhancer of wealth ; gifted with royal marks ; higUf

SUN DA RA KlNDA M. 979

beautiful ; the foremost of the kings ; famous all over
the world of many oceans ; the conferrer of happiness and
btmself happy. His eldest and most beloved son was the Moon-
bright Rama, wise and the foremost of those who know the
science of the bended bow. He was the protector of his own
character, of his own kinsmen, of the whole world of creation
and of virtue and subduer of foes. And banished by his old
and truthful sire's commands, that hero, along with his wife
and brother (Lakshmana) repaired to the forest. And while
roaming a-hunting in the forest he slew many a heroic Rak-
shasa wearing shapes at will. And having heard of the destruc-
tion of the Rakshasas of Janasthana and of Khara and Dushana,
the illusive R^vana, assuming shapes at will, beguiling Rama,
in the forest, stole away his consort — the Janaka's daughter.
And roaming^ the country around in quest of the blameless
and worshipful Sita, Rama found a firm friend in Sugriva.
And bringing about the destruction of VSli, RSLma, the con-
queror of others' cities, conferred the monkey-kingdom upon
the high-souled Sugriva. And by Sugriva's decree, thousands
of monkeys, wearing shapes at will^ have been searching that
worshipful dame in various directions. And by Sampati's
counsel and for that large eyed dame, I have leapt a hundred
leagues across the deep. I have at last got her. And such
were the form, grace and the marks that Rdghava mentioned
unto me." Having said this, the foremost of the monkeys
ceased. And greatly wondered was Sita hearing those
words. Thereupon that timid dame, having good curling
hair, raising up her face covered with hairs, looked up to
the Singshapa tree. And hearing the words of the monkey
and casting her eyes to all directions and quarters, SitS
attained an excess of delight, being engaged in thoughts
concerning Rftma. And looking around her and upwards,
she beheld, like unto the rising sun^the Wind-god's son, gifted
with inconceivable intellect, — the minister of the king of
monkeys.

98o ElAllVANA.

SECTION XXXII.

.xjLND beholding that tawny-colored monkey like un!o a
mass of liorhtnings and wearing a white cloth, hidden on the
tree, Sitd*s mind was greatly agitated. And she saw there
the humble, sweet-speeched monkey, appearing graceful like
unto a collection of full-blown Asoka flowers and havinj; eyes
resembling burning gold. And observing that foremost of
the monkeys, sitting humbly, that daug^iter of the king of
Mithil3, a^ain greatly amazed, thought. — ^'^This monkey is the
most terrible of his race and therefore hard to he got at
and looked at.'' Thinking this she again sank in fear. And
strick'^n with grief she again bewailed in piteous accents
exclaiming, — *'0 RSma ! O Lakshmana !" And she wept
silently and lowly. And then beholding that best of monkeys
approach her humbly, the fair daughter of the Mithill's
king, thought, — "Is this a dream mine eyes have saenf'
And she again looked towards that Wind-god's son, the
foremost of the monkeys, the best of those iriftetl with
intelligence, having a huge disfigured countenance. higUy
accomplished and wearing a dress mentioned before. And
beholdlnq^ him SillL was almost out of breath with fear. And
regaining soon her sense the large-eyed damsel again thovfsht,
— "I have seen a very inauspicious dream to-day — to see a
monkey in a dream is reckoned inauspicious by the sages.
May good betide RSma, Lakshmana and my Sire the king of
Jinaka. It is no dream, I have not slept, worn with grief
and trouble as I am. Apart from my lord having the connte*
nance of the full-moon, I have no happiness. Thinking of
RSLma always and uttering his name, each sight I see and each
f^ound I hear brings him to my eye or ear. And therefoft
his form appearing in my mind is distressing me to-day, wlie
am entirely sunk in his thoughts. And thinking of Ilia

SUNOA RA KIND \ M, 9S1

always I see him before me and hear his words. Methinks
this IS but a phantom of the mind. And thinking this I still
behold the same. But an imaginary object can never have
a form. And I still find a distinct form addressing me.
Be glory to VHchaspati, Indra, the self existent BrahmS, the
lord of fire and may they so ^rant that the creature who hath
ipoken before me, be real and not imaginary."

SECTION xxxiii.

•:00:-

HEREUPON coming down from the tree, Hanuman, the
highly effulgent son of Wind, having a coral-red countenance
and attired in a humble cruise, approached Sila and joining
reverentially his palms, addressed her with the following
sweet words, — "Who art thou, O thou having eyes like lotus
petals and wearing a soiled silken cloth, who art waiting there
holdin^^ a branch of the tree ? Why are the tears of sorrow
Rowing from thy eyes like unto drops of water falling from
lotus petals ? Who art thou, O most fair of face, amongst
the celestials, Asuras, N&gas, Gandharbas, Rakshasas, and
Yakshas and Kinnaras ? Do the Rudra's* claim thy birth
O thou fair damsel ? Or the swift gods who ride the storm ?
Or the Vasus?t Thou appearest to me as of a celestial race.
Art thou Rohini, the best and most accomplished of the
stars, who, reft from the Moon, hath fallen down from the
abode of the celestials ? Who art thou O blessed dame,
O thou having blameless eyes ? Art thou, O lotus-eyed damsel,
the blessed Arundhuti, who hath fled in wrath or jealous
pride from the side of her lord (Vashishtha^ ? Or O lovely

• The Rudras are manifestations of Siva. — T.

t A kind of demi-gods of whom six are enumerated viV., Dhava, Drtiva.
Soma or the Moon, Vishnu, Anila or wind, Anala or fire, Prabhusa and Pra«
»bava. — T.

9S2 RlMlVANA.

damsel, who is the son, father, brother or husband gone
from this world for whom thou art weeping ? Yet by tliy
tears and sighs, by the earth thou art treading and by callinij
on a monarch's name it appears that thou art not a celestial.*
But from the marks on thy person it appeareth that thou
art either the consort or the daughter of a king. Art
thou that Sita, I do ask thee, who had been stolen and borne
away by Ravana from JanasthSna t May good betide thcci
From thy wretched plight, thy unrivalled beauty and tliy
ascetic garb, thou art, I ween, for certain, the queen of RSma."
Hearing those words of Hanumin and greatly delighted at
Rama's name, Vaidehi spoke unto him — **I am the daughter-
in-law of Da^aratha, knowing his own self, the foremost of
the kings of the world and the slayer of the enemy's host.and
the daughter of Janaka the high-souled king of Videha. My
name is Sita and I am the consort of the highly intelligent
Rama. I lived twelve years in RSghava's abode, enjoying
every earthly comfort and satisfying every desire. And
at the beginning of the thirteenth year the king, advised by
his priest, arranged for the installation of the descendant
of Ikswakus (Rama) on the throne. And while the articles
for the installation were being collected, the queen Kaikeyi
addressed her lord saying — *I shall not drink or eat for days
and this shall be the end of my existence if R2Lma be installed.
If thou dost not wish to falsify the vowt thou made unto
me, O best of kings, let RSma then repair to the forest."
The monarch was truthful and remembering his vow and
hearing the unpleasant and vile words of Kaikeyi lost him-
self (in grief). And thereupon the old king abiding by
truth, weeping, begged of his elslest son, the kingdom. The
graceful Rama liked his sire's command more than the
installation, and resolving within him, promised to obey hi#

• The celestials never shed tears nor touch the ground when they walk.— T.
+ This refers to the vow which Dasaratha made unto Kaikeyi at the live
of the war going on between the celestials and the Asuras. — T.

SUNDARAKlNDAM. 983

ivords. R^mai having truth for his prowess, never, for his
life, takes back what he gives, never speaks an untruth and
always speaks truth. And leaving aside his costly attire, the
highly glorious (RSLma) renounced wilh all his heart the king-
dom and gave me over to his mother. But myself wearing the
garb of an ascetic, repaired speedily before him. Separated
from him, I do not like to live even in the celestial region.
And the great son of SumitrSl,the enhancer of friends' joys, to
follow his elder brother, dressed himself in bark and kusa.
And thus abiding by our sire's behest, and taking firm vows
•we entered a dreary forest never seen before. While that
one, of unmitigated effulgence was thus living in the forest
of Dandaka, I, his consort, was stolen by the vicious-souled
RiLkshasa — Ravana. He hath kindly allowed me two nionlhb'
respite after which I shall be slain.

SECTION XXXIV.

.EARING those words of SilSL stricken with grief, Hanu-
mAn, the foremost of the monkeys, replied in soothing words,
'•O worshipful lady, by Rama's decree I come as a messenger
unto thee. He is safe and sound, O Vaidehi, and has asked
of thy welfare. O worshipful dame, Rama, the sun of
Da9aratha^ the master of the Vedas, and the foremost of
those conversant with Vedas hath enquired of thy welfare.
And the highly effulgent Lakshmana, the beloved
follower of thy husband, worn with giief. bows his reverential
head unto thee.'' Hearing of the wcltare of those two lions
among men, the worshipful dame, with all her frame worked
up with rapture, again spake unto Hanum&n, saying — "Verily
the wise saw of the people appears to me to be true that
once in a hundred years true joy appears to a living man''.
Sit&, at that time, attained such a wonderful joy, as would
have been acquired by her in the company (of R&ma and

984 RlMlFAtfA.

Lakshmana). And they confidingly conversed with each
olher. Hearing those words of Sitft,racked with sorrow, Hanu*
man, the son of the Wind-god drew a little nearer to her.
The more Ilanum&n approached her the more Sit& suspected
him as RSLvana. "Alas ! Alas ! why have I spoken to
liim ? It is the RSvana, who hath appeared again in a new
disguise." And leaving off the Asoka branch, that one having
a blameless person, overwhelmed with grief, sat down on
the earth. In the meantime the mighty-armed monkey
bowed unto Janaka's daughter, but she, worked up with fear,
did not cast again her looks towards him. And beholding
him bow unto hrr, SitSL, having a moon-like countenance,
sighing, spake unto that monkey in sweet accents— "If thoa
art that R^vana^s self, who, changing thy shape by magic art,
want to distress me again — >this thy vile deed doth not be*
hove thee. Thou art surely that RSLvana, whom I saw at
Janasth&na, in a mendicant's guise, renouncing his own
shape, O night-ranger, O thou wearing shapes at will!
it doth not behove thee to distress me who am poorly and
famished with fasts. But no, thou canst not be (the fiend)
whom I suspect, since I have such joy from seeing thee. And
may ^ood betide thee if thou art RUma's messenger. I do
ask thee, O foremost of monkeys, something about R&ma that
is pleasant unto me. O monkey, do thou relate the glories
of my dear RSma. Thou art (thus) shaking my mind O gentle
one, like unto water breaking down the banks of a river.
Alas 1 this dream has afforded me immense pleasure sincCi
I, who have been separated from my lord for so long a timCv
have beheld this monkey sent by RSLghava. 1 do not sink erea
if 1 can behold in dream the heroic R&ghava along with LakiiH
mana — but dream even is jealous of my well-being. Nor
do I regard this as dream. To behold a monkey in a dreaa
doth not lead to prospority^whereas I have attained it.* Or

* Here prosperity means joy — Sita attained an immen^ treuvre ol joy M
beholding Rama's messenger — Hanumin— T.

SbWDA RA KA XDA M 985

is it mental derangement ? Or have I been possessed by
a devil ? Or have I run mad ? Or is it the sultry vnpour
noating over sands and appearing at a distance like water ?
No, it is not madness — for derangement of mind is iho sign
of madness — I have not lost sense and I do distinctly perceive
me and the monkey." Thinkinor thus in many a way and
ascertaining tho strength (of the monkey and the RSkshasa)
SitSL took him for the lord of the Rakshasas, wearing shapes
at will. And having arrived at this decision, Janajca's daugh-
ter— Sita, ceased from talking with that monkey. And
apprised of Sita's thought, Hanuman, the Wind god's
son, (replieil) in words sweet unto her and enhancinjr
her delight — "Bright as the sun that lights the sky
and dear as the moon to every eye, he pleases all his subjects
with bounties like unto those of Vaisrabana.* He is gifted
with prowess like unto the greatly famed Vishnu, truthful and
sweet-speeched like unto Vachaspati.f Graceful, grateful to
the eye and beautiful like unto Kandarva'sJ self, he displays
his wrath in a proper quarter — the foremost of men and of
a mighty car. The whole world of creation (livelh safe) in
the shadow of the arms of that high-souled one. Thou shalt
soon see the consequences he shall reap by whom, assuminj^
the shape of a dear, Raghava was'tnken away from the her-
mitage and thou wert stolen away from that lonely place.
And soon shall that powerful (hero) destroy Ravana in the
battle, with fiery arrows, discharged angrily. I have been
sent by him as a messenger to thee. Worn with grief in thy
separation he hath enquired of thy welfare, as well the highly
effulgent Lakshmana, the enhancer of Sumitra's joy, bowing
reverentially unto thee. The king of monkey hosts, by name
Sugriva — RSma's friend, hath also enquired of thy welfare,

• Another name of Kuvera, the god of gold. — T.
t The god of speech. — T.

X Cupid or the god of love in Hindu mythology described as the most
beautiful of the celestials. — T.

124

986 RAmAYANA.

O worshipful dame. R5ma, Sugriva and Lakshmana, have
thee always in their minds. Blessed are we, O Vaidehi, that
tliou dost still live, subject as thou art to the RSkshasecs.
Thou shalt soon behold R§ma, and Lakshmana of a mightv
car, and Sugriva of unmitigated prowess in the midst of
the million of monkey hosts. I am Sugriva's minister, by
name HanumSn. I have entered this city of Lank^ after
crossing over the great main. And by means of my prowess
and placing my feet on the head of the vicious-souled RSLvana.
1 have come here to see thee. I am not he (RSvana) for
whom thou art taking me, O worshipful dame. Do thou
renounce thy suspicion and rely on my words."

SE CTlON XXXV.

:00-

EARING the tale o^ R§ma from that best of monkey?.
Vaidehi, spoke in sweet accents, soft and low, — **\Vherc didst
thou meet Rama, how didst thou como to know Lakshmana?
Mow did the monkeys and men meet on terms o(
brotherhood ? Do thou again relate unto me, O monkey, the
roi^al sii^ns that deck the persons of RSma and LakshmaDi—
and I shall then relinquish all grief. Do thou relate unto
me the form and ^race of Rama, his thighs and arms aoii
as well as those of Lakshmana." Being thus addressed bf
Vaidehi, Hanuman, the Wind-god's son, began to give tf
exact description of Rama. "If dost thou, by my good luct
O Vaidehi, O thou having eyes like lotus-petals, knowing ae
(as his messenger) ask me to describe thy lord's person as«t8
as that of Lakshmana, I shall relate them unto thee. Do thoi
hear, O large-eyed dame, what regal signs I have marked o
the persons of Rama and Lakshmana. O daughter cf
Janaka, Rami has eyes like lotus-petals and a couDtenaiCBj
resembling the full-moon and is gifted with great beauty tfJ'

SUNDARaKANDAM, 987

goodness. In effulgence he is like the Sun^ in patience
like the earth, in intellect like Vrihaspati'^ and in fame like
VSsava.t He is the protector of the world of creation and
his own kinsmen. He follows right in all his ways and
never swerves from his royal duties and is the slayer of foes.
O damr:, he upholds the dignity of the people of four-castes —
he confers honors on the people and preserves them. He is
worshipped by all like the Sun, observes ascetic vows, knoweth
well the time when the saints should be honored and is
conversant with the nature and procedure of actions. He is
well acquainted with royal duties and abideth by the com-
mandments of the Brahmanas— is wise, gifted with a good
character, humble and the slayer of foes. He is the master
of Yayur Vedas and is adored by those who are well-versed
in Vedas — is proficient in the science of bended bow, Vedas
and Veddngas.X He is broad-shouldered, large-armed,
ha.s a conch-like neck and a beautiful countenance. His
throat is plump and his. eyes are red — and he is famed
all over the world under the name of Rama. He has the
voice of a bugle, is of a cool hue and highly powerful,
has equally proportioned limbs and a green colour. His
three limbs (thigh, fist and wrist) are hard and three
others (brow arms and scrotum) are long; and three
(tops of the hairs, scrotums and knee-joints) equal and
three (navel, abdomen and breast) high. And three (the
angles of the eyes, nails and palms) are copper-colored —
three are cool and three (voice, navel and gait) are
grave. His belly and throat have three folds of skin. The
sole of the foot, the lines thereon and the nipples are

• The god of wisdom. — T.

t The lord of celestials. — T.

X A sacred science considered as subordinate to and in some sense a part
of the Vedas — six sciences come under this denomination — Siksha (pronouncia-
tion) ; Kalpa (religious rite) Vyakarana (grammar) Chandas (prosody) Jyotish
(aitronomy) and Nirukti or explanation of difHcult words. — T.

988 RXmAVANA.

equally bended. His neck, eyes and back are short. Iff
has three locks of hair on his head. He has four lines on
his thumb indicating his proficiency in the four Vci^a^i.
His body is four hands tall; arms, thighs and cheeks are
plump ; eye-brows, the hollows of the nose, eyes, ears,
lips, nipples ; wrists, knee-joints, scrotums, hips, haihta
feet are all equally proportioned. Four teeth by the .side
of each rovv, are gifted with auspicious niarks of the
Sdstras. His gaits are like those of a lion, tiger, elephant
or a bull. His lips and jaws are fleshy and elevated. His
nose is long; words, countenance, nails, doAn and skin
are all cool ; his two arms, two little fingers, two thighs
and two legs are long; his face, eyes, mouth ton^fUf,
lips; palate, nipples, nails and feet are like lotuses, hi>
breast, forehead, neck, arms, navel feet, back and ears are
spacious. He is gifted with grace, fame and effuli^ence.
His paternal and maternal race are pure. His armpit,
belly, breast, nose, shoulders and forehead are high ; bis
fingers, hairs, down, nails, skin, beard, eye*sifsht and
intellect are thin and sharp. Righava, with a due division of
his time is engaged in acquiring piety, wealth emanicipatioD
and desires. He is truthful and graceful, amasses wealth
and thereby protects his subjects. He is cognizant of the
divisions of time and country and dear unto all. His step-
brother Sautnitri is gifted with incomparable prowes!^ and is
his equal in attachnir^nt, beauty and accomplishments. The
person of that graceful one is gold-hued whereas that of the
higiily famous Rama is green. And those two lions amonff
men had no other delight but seein^r thee. And they
ransacking the whole world in quest of thee met us in the
forest. And ran^^ing the eartli for thee they beheld Sugriva,
of comely prrst-nce, the lord of monkeys, at the foot of the
nio.ii.t Rishyamu'ca covered with trees, banished by his elder
brx)ther and resorting there in his fear. And we were serving
that truthful Sugriva, the lord of monkeys, driven from ibe

SUN DA RAKlNDAM, 989

kingdom by his elder brother. And beholdiiij^ those two best
of men, wearing bark and with bows in their hands, that best
of monkeys, stricken with fear, leaped above and stationed
himself on the crest of the hill. He then sent me to them.
And thereupon by Sugriva's decree I, approached with
joined palms, those two foremost of men tjifted ^with beauty
and royal marks. And they were pleased by me, being
informed of the real facts. And then placing those two
best of men on my back I arrived at the top of the hill and
communicated the truth unto the high-souled Sujorriva. And
conversing" with each other those two lords of men and
monkeys attained great delight. And they consoled each
other narrating their respective misfortunes. And Rama
then consoled Sus^riva, driven away by his greatly powerful
elder brother VSli on his wife's account. Thereupon
Lakshmana related unto Sugriva, the lord of monkeys, the
grief, of Rama of unwearied actions, in consequence of thy
being borne away (by RSvana). And hearing Lakshmana's
words, the lord of monkeys became pale, like unto the radiant
Sun possessed by R5hu. And collecting all those ornaments
which were thrown off by thee on the earth, when thou wert
borne away, the leaders of the monkey hosts, delighted
brought them before Rama. But they could not make out thy
whereabouts. And all those ornaments, which were handed
. over to Rama, were collected by me when they fell tinkling
on the ground, RSma being beside himself with grief. And
placing them on his lap, the god-like R5ma bewailed in
various accents. And they inflamed the more DSQarathee's*
grief. And being overwhelmed with grief that high-souled
one laid himself low on the ground. And consoling him in
various words, I raised him up again. And looking again
and again with Saumitri, at those costly ornaments, RSghava
handed them over to Sugriva. Raghava burns in grief, O
worshipful dame, in thy absence, like unto a volcanic

* Son of Dasaratha — R^ma. — T.

990 RImXYANa.

mountain burning with a perpetual fire. For thee, sleepless-
ness, grief and anxiety are distressing R&ghava like unto
three fires,"**" burning down the fire temple. RSLghava is
moved by thy separation like unto a huge mountain shaken
by a terrible earth-quake. O daughter of a king, he is
ranging at large in many a beautiful forest, river and
fountain — but he finds delight nowhere. O daughter of the
king J^naka. bringing about the destruction of R&vana, with
all his kith and kin, RSghava, the foremost of men, shall
soon regain thee. And thus R&ma and Sugriva entered into
a friendly covenant, to encompass V&li's destruction and to
institute enquiries about thee. And thereupon returning to
Kishkindh^ with those two heroic princes, the lord of monkeys
killed Vali in battle. And destroying V&li by his prowess
in battle, Rama made Sugriva king over all monkeys and
bears. And in this way, O dame, the alliance between Rima
and Sugriva was made. And know me as Hanum&n, their
messenger who hath come to thee. Regaining his own
kingdom, Sugriva summoned all the mighty monkeys and
despatched them in various quarters in quest of thee. And the
higlily powerful monkeys, resembling mountains, commanded
by that lord of monkeys, proceeded to all the regions of the
earth. And terrified by Sugriva's decrees, those monkeys,
sinco then, have been ransacking the whole earth for thee.
And I am one of them. And the beautiful and mighty son of
VSLli, by name Angada,hath proceeded with three armies under
him. And many were the days and nights that we spent, over-
whelmed with grief and having lost our way on that best of
mountains Vindhya, We gave up all our hopes for the
accomplishment of our end and our appointed time was
well-nigh spent. And in fear of that lord of monkeys we
addressed ourselves to put an end to our lives. Ranging
the mountain strongholds, rivers and fountains and not

t The aggregate of the three fires maiatained bj Xhm Brahman

holder. — T.

SUNDA RA KANDA M, 99 1

finding thy reverence, we were ready to do away with our
existence. And on the crest of that hill we took to fasting.
And beholding those foremost of monkeys engaged in fasting
Angada, sunk in grief, bewailed, O Vaidchi, mentioning thy
rape, the destruction of Vkli in that way, our fastings and
Yatdyu's death. While we were thus waiting, ready for death
and giving up all hopes for the fulfillment of our master's be-
hest, there appeared,as if the cause of our success, the mighty
and powerful vulture,the brother of Yatdyu^ by name Sampati.
And hearing of the destruction of his brother, he in wrath,
said — *By whom and where hath my younger brother been
killed ? I wish to hear this from you, the foremost of
monkeys.' And Angada related unto him verily Yatdju's
destruction at Janasthana, for thee, by that grim-visage<l
Rakshasa. And hearing of Yatdyu's death, Aruna's son
became afflicted with sorrow and informed us, O thou exqui-
sitely ^ine damsel, of thy stay in the abode of Rivana. And
hearing those words of SampSti, enhancing our delight, we
all, headed by Angada, left that place. And leaping from
the crest of Vindhya mountain we reached the excellent brink
of the Ocean. Being greatly anxious to behold thee and
delighted, those plump monkeys headed by Angada, arrived
at the banks of the main. And worked up .with a strong
desire to see thee, they again engaged in anxious thought.
And beholding the ocean, the monkey hosts lost their heart.
And removing their fear, I leaped a hundred leagues across
the deep and entered Lanka, at night, infested with demons.
I have seen Ravana, and thee stricken with grief. O
thou of a blameless person, I have related all unto thee in
regular order. Do thou speak to mo, O worshipful dame,
I am DSi9arathee's messenger. Do thou know me as the Wind-
god's son, the counsellor of Sugriva, who am engaged in
RIma's service and have come here for thee. It is all well
with thy KSLkuthstha, the foremost of those using weapons,
as well as with Lakshmana, O worshipful dame, gifted with

■ »

99^ RAniAVANA.

auspicious marks, engaged in the worship o( his superiori
and in the well being of lliy lord. By Sugriva's decree,
I alone have reached here. And I, ranging alone and wear-
ing shapes at will, liave come to this southern quarter, to
find out thy whereabouts. By my good luck I shall be able,
with thy news, to remove the grief of those monkey hosts
who are lamenting for thee. By my good fortune, my cros-
ing ovc^r the main, hath not become fruitless. I shall be
praised there, O worshiful dame, for I have been able to sec
thee. And the highly powerful R&ghava shall soon regain
thee, destroying, with all his sons and friends, R&vana the
king of Raksiiasas. There is a hill, O Vaideht, named
Malyab^na, the foremost of all the mountains. There livfs
my fatiier, the great monkey Kesari. Being commanded by
the cf iestial ascetics, he once repaired thence to the mount
Gokarna and at the holy watering place of. the lord of the
rivers he brougiit about the destruction of (the Asura) •
Samvasddana, O V'aidehi, I was born, on the field, of that
nionkey. And I am known all over the world as Hanumln
by my own actions. To create thy confidence, O Vaidcbi,
I have related tiiy lord*s accomplibhments. And forsooth,
thou sliali soon be taken, O worshipful dame, by Rftghava."
Hiving her confidence formed by these reasonings and various
marks, Sitd, worn with grief, took him ^for R&ma's messen-
ger . And J^naki attained an excess of delight and shed
tears of joy from her eyes having curling eye-lasbes.
.And the beautiful countenance of that large-eyed dame,
having spacious eyes, appeared like the Moon released (rooi
the hold of Rahu. She then took him (or a real monkey
and none else. Thereupon HanumSLn again spoke unto her,
having a comely presence, — "I have related unto thee all
this. Do thou be consoled, O Maithilee I Tell me now,
what am I to do and what dost thou like. I shall soon repair
hence. When the Asura Samvasddana was destroyed in CM*
flict by that best of monkeys at the desire of the celestial

SUNDARAKINDaM. 993

ascetics, I was born of the Wind, O maitlnle<t. I look like a
monkey but am his equal in prowess.*'

SECTION xxxvf.

:0;0;

HE highly effulgent son of the Wind-god, Hanumin,
to create SitSL s confidence, again addressed her with the
followinif words : — '^O great dame, I am a monkey, the
messenger of the highly intelligent Rima. Behold this
precious rincr with Rama's name engraven on it, given by
thy high-souled lord and brought as a token to create thy
confidence. Do thou take heart and may good betide thee,
there will be an end of thy grief soon." And taking the
ring that used to deck her lord's fineer and looking at it,
Jftnaki seemed to have actually got her lord. And her
graceful countenance, having large eyes, looked, with
delight, like unto the Moon released from the possession
of R&hu. And greatly delighted at her husband's news
that modest damsel, affectionately welcoming Hanumin, ap-
plauded that great monkey — **0 foremost of monkeys, thou
art brave, powerful and wise, since thou hast alone smitten
this abode of the Rikshasas. Thou hast, with thy laudable
prowess, leaped, a hundred leagues, across the ocean,
tlie abode of marine monsters, taking it for Goshpada,*
U foremost of monkeys, I do not consider thee as an ordi-
nary monkey, since thou dost not care or fear RSLvana. O
best of monkeys, thou art worthy of my welcome, since
thou hast been despatched by RSLma. knowing self. R&ma,
hard of bemg got at, hath not sent thee, specially to me,
without a trial of thy prowess. By my good luck, is it all
well with the virtuous-souled and truthful R^ma and the
highly powerful Lakshmana the enhancer of SumitrS's joy?
Kx\([ if Kakuthstha lives untouched by ill, then why does

• A measure as much as a cow's foot-step will hold. — T.
125

994 RAmAvaNA.

lie not burn the earth, encircled by the ocean, with his ire like
unto the fire of dissolution? Or they are capable of His-
comfitting the celestials in a battle but me-thinks by my
ill-luck, the end of my miseries hath not arrived as yt*t.
Is Rama greatly pained ? Does he grieve? Is that foremost
of men making preparations for my rescue ? Has he forgotten
his work being overwhelmed with fear and poorlinesis of
heart ? Is that son of the kin^ performing still his manly
duties ? Is tliat slayer of foes, desirous of acquiring victorv.
pleasing his friends still with forgiveness and gifts and
dealing his enemies with punishment, sowing dissensions
amongst them, and with other expedients? Is he still gaining
friends and are friends gathering around him ? Is he welcoming
his friends and are they honoring him the more ? Is that
son of the king invoking the blessings of the celestials?
Hatii he attained manliness and assistance from the celestials?
Ilaih Raghava lost all his affection for me for my living at>
a distance from him ? Will he save me from this disaster?
Hath not Rama, ever used to happiness and unused to
misery, been enfeebled by this disaster? Is he informed
always of the welfare of Kauslaya, Sumitrft and Bharata?
Is not Raghava, worthy of honors, beside himself with grief
in my absence? Will not R&ma rescue met Will not
Hharata, ever devoted to his brother, send out one Aksauhini
of terrible soldiers under the command of his ministers tor
my rescue ? Will not the graceful Sugriva, the lord of the
monkeys come to help me with hosts of monkeys having huge
teeth and nails ? Will not the heroic Lakshmana, the
enhancer of SumitrSL's joy, conversant with the use of wea-
pons, burn down the R^hshasas with his shafts? Shall I
not bv.'hold soon that R^vana with his kinsmen hath beca
dt:slroyed in battle by Rama with terrible weapons? Is lot
tlie gulvl-hued and lotus-smelling countenance (of Rftmi)
(liicd up in my absence like unto lotus dried up by the rajv
of the sun in shallow water? Does he still hold patience

SUNDARAKANDAM. 995

In his heart,wl)o,renounciniT his kingdom for virtue and repair-
incr, on foot with me even to the forest, was not stricken with
fear and grief? His love for his mother, fatl;cr or any other
person is not greater than or eqii.il to his love for me. O
messenger, T shall keep my life so long I do not hear anything
about my dear one.'* Having addressed that lord of monkeys
with these highly sound and sweet accents, that graceful
and worshipful dame ceased, with a view to hear again from
him pleasant tales regarding Rama. And hearing the words
of Sita the terribly powerful Maruti, placing his joined palinjy
on his head said, — **The lotus-eyed Rama doth not know that
thou art here, and hence he hath not been able to rescue thee
like unto Purandara res^ainina Sachee. And hearins: about
thee from me »oon shall Ra^hava come assisted by a large army
of monkeys and bears. And impeding the course of the unagi-
tated deep and building,by me ins of his terrible shafts, a bridge
.across it, K§kuthstha, shall divest the city Lanka of all
the RSkshasas. And forsooth shall Rama destroy them, even
if the celestials, or Death himself stand in his way. O
worshipful dame, stricken with grief in thy absence, Rama
IS restless like unto an elephant smitten by a lion. I can
swear, O worshipful dame, by the mounts Mandara, Malaya,
Vindya, Sumeru, Dardura and all the fruits and roots, that
thou shalt behold like unto the rising of the full moon, the
countenance of R3ma havingf beautiful eyes, graceful,
Bimba-WVe lips and beautified with beautiful kimdalas.
Thou shalt soon behold, O Vaidehi, Rama, on the
mount Prasravana, like unto the performer of hundred
sacrifices seated on the back of the elephant (Airavata).
RSighava doth not take meat nor drink honey — he takes
every day in the evening boiled rice and such wild fruits
as are sanctioned by the Sastras. His heart is so much
attached unto thee, that he does not drive away even flies,
insects and snakes from his body. Rama is always engaged
in meditations, overwhelmed with grief, and he has

996 RlnilVANA.

no other thouorlit but seeing; thee. Rima hath no sleep and
even when afileep that best of men awakes exclaiming in «weet
accents, *0 Sita !'. He always welcomes thee sighing and 5ay-
ins; "O my dear love V\ whenever he beholds any fruit, flower
or any object liked by the ladies. O worshipful dame, he is
always lamenting, exclaiming 'O SitS !' and that high-souled
son of the king, to regain thee, hath resorted to ascetic
observances." On hearing about RSma, SitJL was greatly
delighted and she was equally grieved on hearing of his
sorrow. And it appeared like the rising of the moon and
the appearance of the clouds at the same time in an autumnal
night.

SECTION XXXVII.

JjLkaring those words, Siti having a moon-like counte-
nance, again spoke unto HanumSLn,words, sound and pious:"
'*0 monkey, what thou hast said that Rima is not attached
unto any other thing and is worn with grief,is like nectar miied
with poison. Whether in the enjoyment of vast riches, or
emerged in the abyss of miseries, Death is pulling a nuOi
binding him roughly with a chord. O best of monkejrs, peopk
cannot thwart the course of destiny. Behold me, Rima and
Saumitri, therefore sunk in miseries. I do not know wben
shall Righava get at the other end of the ocean of grie(,
by displaying his prowess, like unto one, swimming across
the ocean when the boat is sunk. I do not know when shall
my lord see me, destroying the Rilkshasas, killing Rivana
and devastating the city of Lanki. Do thou tell him lo
come before this year expires for till then I shall live.
This is the tenth month and two months still remaitt
O monkey and that is the time appointed by the
cruel R&vana. He was entreated very much by hb

SUN DA RA A Ax DAM 997

brother Bivishana to restore me but he paid no need to
his requests. RSvana doth not desire to restore me (unto
R&ma) for he has been brought under the influence of
Death who is seeking him in battle. Bivishana 's eldest
daughter, O monkey, by name Kail, hath related this unto
me, being appointed by her mother. There is a leadinjy,
steady, old, intelligent and educated R^kshasa, gifted with a
good character, named Abindhya and highly respected of
R&vana who told him that the destruction of the RSlkshasa race
would proceed from RSLma, but the vicious-souled one paid
no attention to his well-meaning words. I hope, O foremost
of monkeys, that my husband shall soon regain me for pure
is my soul and he is gifted with many acconr.plishments.
Rlghava hath in him, O monkey, energy, manliness, strength,
kindness, gratitude and prowess. He brought about without
his brother's aid, the destruction of the fourteen thousand
R&kshasas at JanasthSLna. What enemy is not troubled at
this ? The disaster-creating Rakshasas can never be com-
pared with that best of men. I am cognizant of his prowess
as Sachee is of Indra's. O monkey, R^ma the Sun, with
his arrow-like rays, shall dry up the water — the inimical
RSLkshasas." Saying this she was overwhelmed with grief
on R&ma's account, and Hanuman again spoke unto her
having her countenance bathed in tears, — *'No sooner shall
RSLghuva hear from me than he shall speedily repair hither
followed by a huge army of monkeys and bears. Or I shall
release thee even to-day from the grasp of that Rikshasa
and these miseries. Do thou place thyself on my back, O thou
of a blameless person. And having thee on my back I shall
leap over the main. I am capable of carrying the
city of Lank2l even with R&vana. I shall restore thee to-day,
O Maithili, unto R&ghava on the mount Prasravana, like unto
fire carrying unto Indra, the sacrificial offerings. Thou shalt
behold to-day, O Vaidehi, R&ma along with Lakshmana,
making preparations (for the destruction of his enemy) like

99S RAHfAVANA.

unto Visnu, enoraored in the destruction of demons. (An«I
thou shalt observe) that highly powerful one, nnxious to
behold tliee and seated like unto Purandara on the summit
of that foremost of mountains. Do thou place thyself on
my back, O worshipful dame, do thou not neglect it, O beau-
tiful lady, »Tid be thus reconciled unto RSLma like unto Rohini
nstorcd to the Moon. By the time, that we will take in
talking thus, thou shalt reach RJIma like Rohini restored to
the Moon. Do thou therefore place thyself on my back and
I shall cross the ocean sailing by the aetherial way. O fair
one, carrying thee from this place, none amongst the inhabi-
tants of LankIL shall be able to follow me. In the same way
I have come here I shall return by the welkin, O Vaidrhi
placing thee on my back.'* Hearing those surprising words
from t'lat best of monkeys, Malthilee, having her entire frame
worked up with joy, again bespake Hanumin— "Hanuroin,
how darest thou take me to such a long distance ? O lord
of monkey hosts, this attests to thy monkey hood. O fore-
most of monkeys, little-bodied as thou art, how dost thou
desire, to take me hence to my husband the lord of men ?"
Hearing the words of Sita, the graceful son of the Wind-god
HanumSn reflected aside — **This is my first insult. The
lotus-eyed dame is not cognizant of my prowess or strength.
Vaidehi should therefore learn that I can assume shapes at
will.'' Thinking thus, HanumSn, the foremost of the monkeys
and the slayer of foes, showed himself unto Sitfl, in his true
shape. And leaping down from the tree, that best of mon-
keys began to increase himself to create Sitit's confidence.
His person appeared like the hill MandSLra and the flaming
fire. And that best of monkeys having a copper-colored
countenance, thunder-like nails and teeth and mountain-like
huge body, appeared before SitSl and said— "I am capable
of carrying this LankSl with her lord, the mountainSi forests
gardens, buildings, walls and gate-ways. Do thou therefore
confide in me, O worshipful dame, and be not suspicioofc

SUN/) A RA kXNDaM. 999

And O Vaidehi, do thou remove Rama's grief as well as
Lakshuiana's." Beholding the \Vind-god*s own begotten
son,Hanum^n, resembling a huge mountain, Sita, the daughter
of Janaka, having eyes resembling lotus-petals, said, — *'0
great monkey, I know thy strength and bravery, thy air-like
motion and thy wonderful fire-like energy. Wiiat ordinary
man can come here crossing the incomparable ocean. O
lord of monkey hosts, I understand that tiiou art capable
of returning and thou shalt be able to carry me. But I
should consider now how the work miglit be accomplished.

0 foremost of monkeys, I should not go with thee. Perhaps

1 might lose my sense with thy air-like velocity. When
moving terribly thou shalt proceed high up in the welkin,
perhaps I shall then fall down. No- sooner I shall fall down
into the ocean infested with fksh and other animals than I
bhail be an excellent food unto them. O slayer of foes, I
shall not be able to accompany thee. For seeing thee carry
a womau; they shall surely suspect thee. And finding me
stolen, those terribly powerful Rakshasas commanded by the
vicious-souled R^vana, shall follow thee. O hero, carrying
me and encircled by those heroic Rakshasas with maces and
darts in their hands, thou shalt be beset with dangers.
And on the sky the Rakshasas shall be armed with
weapons and thou shalt be without any. How shalt
thou be able to fight and protect me at the same time.
And when thou shalt be engaged in conflict with those
Rakshasas of terrible deeds, I, O foremost of monkeys,
stricken with fear, shall fall down from thy back. O fore-
most of monkeys those terrible and powerful Rakshasas
shall be able to defeat thee a little. And when thou shalt
be ddi^ated in battle I shall fall down and those
vicious RSLkshasas shall carry mc away from thy
hands or destroy me. Victory or defeat is uncertain in a
battle. I shall thus be distressed by those RSlkshasas setting
up terrible roars and thy endeavours shall be fruitless, O best

of monkeys. Thou art capable of destroying the R&ksha^s
very easily (I admit) — but R§ma*s fame shall then be soiled
if dost thou bring about their destruction. Or the R&ksihasas
takingf me away shall kerp me in such a secret place, that
neither the monkeys nor RSL^^hava shall be able to ascertain
my wliereabouts. And all thy preparations for n.e shall thus
be useless. And mighty shall be the result of R&ma's coming
with thee. O large armed one, the life of Rftghava of unmiti-
gated prowess, those of his brothers and of thy royal race
are all subject to me. And when they shall give up their
hopes of releasing me, they, worn out with grief and anxiety
shall renounce their lives along with the monkeys and bears.

0 monkey, being guided by my love for my husband, I do not
like willingly to touch any body's person but Rftma's. When
Havana, by force touched my person, I had no other help, for

1 was then without my lord and therefore was subject to
another person. If R&ma can take me away from here, des«
troying the Ten-necked one with all the R&kshasas— 4ie shall
then perform the worthy action. I have heard of and myself
seen the prowess of the highly-souled (R&ma) unconquerable
in a battle. There is none amongst the celestials, Gandharbas,
Nagas and the R^kshasas who can match him in a conflict
Beholding that highly powerful RSgliava, in a conflict, like
unto V&sava in prowess, holding a wonderful bow and
followed by Lakshmana, who can withstand his proweM
resembling the flaming fire ? O foremost of monkeys, who
can withstand Rftghava in a conflict, followed by Laksh*
mana movinj;^ like an infuriated elephant and showering
shafts like unto the rays of the sun at the time of Dissolv-
tion ? O best of monkeys do thou speedily bring here my
dear one along with Lakshmana and the lord of monkey hosts^
O heroic monkey, do thou soon satisfy me, who am strickea
with grief in consequence of my long separation from RinM.

SUNDARAKlNDAM. looi

SECTION XXXVItl.

.EARING those words, that foremost of monkeys, skilled
in speech, was greatly delighted and again addressed
Sit& in the following words,— >'*0 worshipful lady, O thou
of an auspicious presence, what thou hast said, speaks well
for a feminine nature and the modesty of a chaste damsel.
And because thou art a female, thou art not capable of
Crossing on my back, the main extending over a thousand
leagues. The second argument — I shall not touch any
other person's body than R&ma's, which thou hast produced,
O Jftnaki ! O fhou gifted with modesty t truly becometh thee,
who art the spouse of that high-souled one. Who else than
thee, O worshipful one, can give expression to such words ?
Truly shall K&kutstha hear from the beginning to the end,
O worshipful dame, of thy actions before me, and all thou
hast said. For many reasons, I gave vent to such words,
O lady,— I am anxious to compass R&ma's end, and my
heart is melted with affection. It is very difficult to enter
this city of LankSl, it is equally hard to cross over the main
— 4>at I am capable of doing all these, and hence I gave
utterance to all those words. I wish to take thee even to-
day to the descendant of Raghu. It is for my devotion
unto him and regard for thee that I said so and for nothing
else. If thou dost not wish to go with me, O thou of a blame-
less person, do thou give me such a token as might create
RAghava's confidence." Being thus accosted by Hanum&n,
Sit& resembling the daughter of a celestial, spoke,gently, words
virith their letters strung on the vapour of grief,-^''Do thou
mention unto my dear lord (in my words) what had happeniftd
unto die whUe living in the hermitage at the foot of the mount
Pratyanga^ situate on the north-east of Chitrakuta, abounding
n roots, fruits itnd water. 'At no distance from that place fre-

126

I0O2 RAMlrANd.

quented by the ascetics flowed the sac MandikinL

While ranging in that woodland fragrant with the odoar of
many flowersi thou, having thy person wet in coasequeiice
of thy sport in the water, didst sit on my lap. A crow, at
that time, longing to feed en my fleshi tore my breast With
its beak. And I threatened it with a pebble. But it coa*
tinned tearing my breast as if it sat there to feed on my
flesh and therefore did not fly off. Being enraged with that
bird, as I tried to tighten the cloth around my waistt it gave
way a little, and thou, rising up from thy seat and kx>king at
me, didst laugh over it And I was greatly eorag^ with
thy laughter and ashamed, and, being wounded by the crowi
1 approached thee. Thereupon, tired as I was, I sat on thy
lap, and, exercised with ire, I was consoled by theelanghmg.
Now I, having my countenance bathed in tears, gently
rubbed my eyes. And I was seen by thee, O my lord, in that
wise, greatly enraged with the crow. O Rlghava, I akpt
for sometime, at thy lap, out of ezhaustioo, and thyself
in turn, slept at mine, O elder brother of 3h|urata. In
the meantime, that crow again suddenly mpproaduag^
tore my breast with its beak, as I awoke apd was
rising up from thy lap, O R&ghava.' Thereupoa Rlghata
awoke with the shedding of blood. Beholding my. breast
wounded, that larged-armed hero wroth like m serpent, sigh-
ing, said,— O thou having thighs like the tnsok of -aa
elephant, by whom hath thy breast been wounded ? Whs
wants to play with an angry five*hooded serpent?— TiiMeapoSi
casting his looks around, he espied the crow, sitting in mg
front with its claws besmeared with blood. Thi|t
best of birds, was the son of the lord of the
in disguise. And gifted with air-like velocity, he WfmOf
entered inside the earth. Thereupon that large sysd
hero, best of the intelligent, with his eyes whirliiy.wlfe
ire, resolved to destroy that crow. And taking a blade of Jbfi
off his seat, he tied it to a Brahma weapon. Aad M

SUNDA RA KlWDA M. f 003

bhdei facing the bird/ appeared with its flaming face, like
the fire that would destroy the world. And he hurled that
barniDg blade at the crow. And it pursued the crow high
«p in the welkin. Being thus pursued, that crow, in order
to save himself, traversed various regions. And being
then renounced by his father (Indra) and the great ascetics,
he, ranging the three worlds, at last resorted to his (RSLma's)
shelter. And, placing himself on the earth, he sought his
dielteff and Kikutstha, out of mercy, saved him, albeit
worthy of being killed. And he spoke unto him, greatly
famished, of a pale countenance and lying on the earthj— -It is
impossible to render this Brahma weapon fruitless. There-
iorei do thou speak (as to what is to be done.)— He then
destroyed the right eye of the crow. Having given- up his
aye, he saved himself. Then bowing unto RSma as well
as king Da9aratha, the crow, liberated by that hero, went
to his own abode. 'Thou hadst on my behalf discharged
the Brahma weapon even at a crow. 'Why then, O lord
of earth, dost thou forbear him who had carried me of! from
thee ? O foremost of men, do thou dispense unto me thy
kindness capable of inspiring hope. O lord, possessing a
lord in thee, I (now) appear as if I had none. That kind*
oess is a prime virtue — I have heard even from thee ; and I
know that thou art exceedingly energetic and possessed of
great strength and high courage, — unfettered by tonsider*
ations of time and space, incapable of being agitated, thou in
gravity resemblest the ocean, and like unto that lord of the
earth furnished with seas-— V&sava. O RSLghava, being thus
the foremost of those acquainted with weapons, powerful,
and possessed of strength, wherefore dost thou not direct
thy weapon against the R&kshasas' \ Neither Ndgas, nor
Gandharbas, nor the gods, nor the Maruts, are competent to
resist the onset of R&ma in battle. If that puissant one stilt
retains any regard for me, why doth he not by means of sharp*^
ened shafts make root and branch work with the lUkshasas f

1004 RlMlFANA.

And why, taking the permission of his brother, that repressor
of foes, the heroic Lakshmana gifted with great strength, doth
not deliver me ? If those foremost of men be indeed equal
to Indra and the Wind, and incapable of being repressed
even by the celestials, wherefore do they disregard me?
Surely I must be guilty of some great crime, since although
capable, those subduers of enemies do not look at me.'
Hearing Vaidehi's piteous words uttered with tearful eyes,
that leader of monkey-bands, the exceedingly energetic
Hanum^n, said, — ''O exalted one, I swear by truth, Rima
turneth away his countenance (from every work) in conse-
quence of grief for thee. And Rclma being seized with
sorrow, Lakshmana burns in grief. Now that I have been
able to obtain a sight of thee, this is no season for sorrow.
O auspicious one, even now thou shalt witness the end of
this woe. Filled with hope from my sight of thee, those
foremost of persons, those mighty princes, shall reduce the
worlds to ashes. And, O thou of expansive eyesi slaying
in battle the wicked Ravana with his allies, R&ghava shall
take thee back to his palace. Now tell me what I shall
communicate unto RSLghava, and the highly powerful
Lakshmana, and the energetic Sugriva, and all the assembled
monkeys." Thus addressed, Sitft again spoke unto him,
saying, — Do thou on my behalf, bowing down the head,enquire
after the welfare of that protector of men whom Kaucaly^ halh
brought forth. Do thou on my behalf, and on account of
my words, enquire after the welfare of him, who, renouncisg
wreaths and gems of all kinds, and beloved damsels possessed
of transcendent beauty, and wealth such as is difficult to
obtain on this spacious earth ; and who, honoring and bowing
unto his father and mother, followed Rftma, — in vhooi
Sumitra hath an excellent son,*-of that righteous one, who,
espousing the cause of his brother, renouncing choice
happiness, followeth his brother to the forest, ministerinf
unto him ; who is lion-shouldered, long-armed» intelligent,

SVNPARARlNDAM. 1005

md of a prepossesaiof presence ; who beareth himself to«
nrards Rtma as if he were bis sire, and towards me, as if I
irere his mother ; of that heroic Lakshmana who did not
know when I was ravished away ; — the servant of the elders,
crowned with auspiciousness,— *wbo is competent and reineth
ia his tongue ; who is the foremost of those dear unto the
king's son,* and worthy of my father-in-law ; who is dearer
[unto R3tma) than even my own self ; of Lakshmana, brother
into Rlma ; that energetic one who undertaketh even such
tasks as he is not equal to, and seeing whom Righava hath
forgotten his deceased siret,— -him for the sake of my words,
thou must ask as to his welfare. Lakshmana is always mild
and* pure, and dear unto RSma. Do thou speak to him so,
that, O best of monkeys, he may remove my miseries. O
leader of monkey-bands, do thou bring about success on this
undertaking. From this preliminary endeavour of thine,
RSLghava shall take pains on my behalf.— This also shalt thou
say again and again unto that hero-— my lord,-— 'O son of
Da9aratha, I shall keep on this life for another month ; and
this I swear unto thee by truth that I will not live beyond
this month. O hero, even as Vishnu rescued Kaii9iki from
the nether regions,^ it behoveth thee to rescue me, who have
ignominiously been confined by the impious R3vana.''— •
Thereupon, saying,-«»'^Hand this unto RSghava,'' Sita gave
to Hanumftn a noble and excellent jewel for the head§,
which was tied up in her attire. Then taking that
best of gems, the hero tried to fix it on his finger ; but

* Rima.

t III conseqaence of the fatherly care of Lakshmana.-*T.

t According to Kataka, Kaagiki 11 Earth, who was rescoed by N4rAyaRa
from the subterranean regions. According to Tirtha, Kau^ihi is India's Aus-
picioosness, who on the occasion of the destruction of the Asura, Vriira,. took
refnge in the aether regions^ and was brought back by Vishnu.— T.

\ Ckuddmrnni, Aceotding to the coBMueatator, the word means m gem
worn in the head.— T.

ioo6 ttlUlrANA. "

it did not enter into it* And taking the geiD» and bowing
unto Siti and going round her, that foremost of ononkejrs
remained by her side in humble guise. And experiencing
rapture in consequence of his seeing SitB, lie mentally
presented himself before Rftma, and Lakshmana graced with
auspicious marks. And taking that costly and snpetb gem,
which by virtue of some power, king Janaka's daughter hid
managed to hide (from the gaze of the Rlkshasis), Hanomlo,
feeling delighted like one, shaken by the wind blowing on
the top of the foremost of mountiunSf and then getting awiy
from it, prepared to set out

SECTION xxxtx.

JljLaving made over the gem, Sitft said onto Hannmltti^
'This sign is very well known to Rftma. Seeing this geoif
that hero, RSLma, shall recollect three persons,—- his mother,
myself, and king Da9aratha, Thou, O foremost of monktjSv
wilt again be commissioned on this business. Do tlioa
bethink thee as to what thou wilt do afterwards^ when thoa
hast been entrusted with this task. O foremost of monkcj%
thou art capable of compassing this work. Therefore, tliiak
as to what course of his (Rftma's) shall remove (my) miseiy.
O Hanumiin, undergoing toils, be thou instrmnental ia
removing my misery." Saying, "So be it,^ the Wind-godl^s
offspring of terrible prowess, bowing down the head, pcepa^
ed to depart. Seeing that (Hanumin) was about to aet oii^
that exalted one, Mithilft's daughter, addressed that nsoBkcfi
son unto the Wind-god, in words choked by tiie ^mgMi of
grief,— "O Hanumftn, do thou communicate good news Is

both Rftma and Lakshmana, to Sugriva with bis cotmsdloaf

- - — -"

* Another meaninf it,— "B«t fMring disooreiy oo aooooot of ftht MBiSMi

of Che jewel, he desisted."-— T.

SC/NDA RAKkNDAM. 1007

mild to aU the aged monkeys. And, O best of monkeys, in
consonance nMx righteousnesSi communicate good tidings
j[uuto Rftma). And it behoveth thee to strive so that the
m^hty-armed Rftghava may rescue me from this sea of
sorrow. And^ O HanumSni do thou speak so that the illus-
trious Rftma may deliver me while I am still alive; and
thereby do. thou - reap righteousness. Ever breathing high
|ipiritS| P3tcarathi|^ bearing my words, shall attain an access
<A manliness for my deliverance. Soon as Rftghava shall bear
words couching tidings of me, that hero shall duly resolve
on displaying his prowess.'' Hearing this speech of Sit§,
Hanumftn^ son unto the Wind-god, with his joined hands
raised to his bead, said,— *'Soon shall K&kutstha come,
surrounded by the foremost moakeys and bears ; and, van«
quishing the foe in fight, shall remove thy grief. Find I
none either among men, or Asuras, or celestials, that dares
remain befqre him as he discharges his shafts. For thee, in
especial, be can stand in. conflict even the Sun, Indra,
nay— Yama himself, that offspring of the Sun. For thee, he
preparetb himself . to conquer the Earth bounded by the
main ; and victory, thou daughter of Janaka, shall be Rama's."
Hearing his words excellently spoken and thoroughly true,
J&naki honored them highly, and spoke (as follows). And
gazing at him once and again as he prepared to go away,
SitI from affection . honored the speech which had been
tittered (by Hanum3tu) out of attachment unto his master^—
f'lf thou wish it, O hero, do thou, O subduer of enemies, stay
liere for one day. Having rested in some hidden nook, thoa
wilt depart to-morrow. O monkey, (if thou dost remain),
tby vicinity shall for a moment remove the huge grief of
me of slender luck. But even if thou go (passing to«day
here), I have, O tiger-like monkey, doubts as to thy return ;
and, accordingly, doubt, certainly, as to my life. And the
grief incident to my not seeing thee shall burn me greatly^

. ^ Ds(aratba't son.i-^T . -

lOoS RlMlrAHA.

even, O monkey, as grief borneth one that is already
consumed by sorrow over and over again. Andj O heroi
O lord of monkeys, this doabt is also before me. How,
alas ! shall the mighty lord of monkeySf albeit backed
by the monkeys and bears, cross over the mighty main hard
to cross, — and (how shall) those forces consisting of bears and
monkeys or those sons of the best of men (cross over the
same) ? In all the three worlds, Vinatt's o&priog, thyself,
and the Wind-god, have alone the power of crossing over the
deep. — Then, for the accomplishment of this work, diflBcult to
compass, what, O hero, O thou best of those conversant with
business, what way dost thou see as to its success ? Or thou
alone, O destroyer of hostile heroes, art quite eooogh for the
fulfilment of this purpose ; and thou shalt reap, in the shape
of fame, the fruit of thy achievement Bat if (RIma) himself
together with all his forces, conquering Rivana and (recover-
ing me) in battle, returned victorious to his own city,— tiiis
would be worthy of himself. If blocking up LanlA with his
army, that afHictor of hostile hosts, KIkutstba took ne
(hence), that would be worthy of him. Do thou» therefofSi
adopt such means that the high-souled heroic warrior msy
have an opportunity of putting forth prowess :" Heari^t
those words fraught with sense and reason and informed with
affection, HanumSLn,by way of reply said mildly^— "O rcveisd
lady, that foremost of monkeys— the lord of bears and noa-
keys — Sugriva, possessed of truth, hath made up his mind oa
thy behalf. That destroyer of Rikshasas, O daoghter s(
Videha, environed by thousands of millions of monkeyii
will come hither without delay. And exceedingly powerM
and mighty monkeys possessed of prowess, and speeding itf
with the rapidity of thought, are in his command. Nothiaf
can impede their courses, either upward, or downwardt sr
tending in both directions ; and those ones of measwsksi
energy never experience depression in the most ardMtf
undertakings. Braced by their exalted spirits, these, resort*

SbNJiARAKlNDAM. loo^

iiig to the aerial way, have many a time and oft circumambu-
lated the Earth containing mountains and meads. There
are (in that army) rangers of woods, some equal and some
raperior to me. And near Sugriva there are none who are
inferior to me. And since even I have reached this place,what
dball I say of those ones endowed with immense might ? Nor
are superior (monkeys) sent on errands ; it is only the inferi^
or ones that are sent Then, O exalted one, thou needst
sot grieve : let thy sorrow depart. Those leaders of monkey-
herds will come to LankSl by one bound ; and, like unto
the risen Sun and Moon, those leonine men, having large
numbers to back them, will come to thy side, riding my back.
Those heroes and foremost of men, Rima and Lakshmana
both, coming to the city of LankSl,shall destroy her by means
of their shafts. And slaying R&vana together with his
adherents, Raghu's son, taking thee, O paragon among
women, shall return to his own city. Therefore, do thou take
heart, g^od betide thee ! Do thou remain, eagerly wishing
for the time. It will not be long before thou shalt behold
Rlma resembling flaming fire. On the lord of RSLkshasas
being slain along with his counsellors and friends, thou
shalt meet with RAma, even as Rohini meeteth with the
Moon. O worshipful one, speedily shalt thou behold the
other shore of thy misery, O Maithili ; and thou shalt see
RIvana slain by Rftma by might of arm.'' Having thus
solaced Videha's daughter, Hanumin,son unto the Wind-god,
Again spoke unto Vaidehi, saying, — ''Soon shalt thou behold
that destroyer of foes, R^lghava of subdued soul, and the
bow«bearing Lakshmana also, come to the gate of LankS.
And soon shalt thou behold the assembled heroic monkeys,
endowed with the prowess of lions and tigers, and the splen-
dour of the monarch of monkeys, and having nails and teeth
for their arras. And thou shalt, O noble one, behold innumer-
able companies of choice monkeys, resembling hills and
.clouds,— -roaring on the plateaus of Malaya in Lanki.

127

loio XAlUlrANA.

Likft an elephant tormented by a lion, Rftma afflicted in the
vitala by the dreadful shafts of Manmattia^ doth not attain
ease. Do not weep, exalted one, in sorrow. Let not fear
take possession of thy heart ! Even as Sachi meeteth with
Sakra, shalt thou, O auspicious onei meet with thy lord.
Who is greater than R&uia ? And who is equal to Sanmitri ?*
And these brothers resembling Fire and the Wind, are thy
help. O revered one, thou wilt not have to dwell long in
this extremely dreadful place inhabited by the RUcshasas.
The arrival of thy beloved one is not distant. Just remain
expecting (as best thou may), during the time that elapses
between this and my meeting with R&ma."

SECTION XL.

JlL EARING the speech of the high-sonled offspring of the
Wind-god, Sitft resembling a daughter of the celestials, said
in words fraught with her welfare,-— "Even as the Earth
with corn half-way towards harvest is gladdened on receipt
of showers, have I, O monkey, been gladdened on teeing
thee that speakest sweetly. Do thou so dispense thy
kindness unto me that, with my desire attained, I may tooch
that tiger-like one with my body reduced by grief. And,
O foremost of monkeys, present this aign nnto RlaM«
and tell him also for a sign that he had in ire buried the
dart which destroyed a single eye of the crow. And teM
him also,t — 'On my (first) ii/aJka having been wiped ool,
thou didst paint beside my cheek another made of nd nratnic
—-this thou shouldst remember. Why, O thou endowed
with prowess, resembling Indra the Great or VaniQi^ ^Mt
thou disregard the ravished SitA, sitting ia .the midat ef

* i, #. Somitri's too, LakslmuDa.— T.

t Siti wisb#s HaaantQ to om her ditq Uafaaft to lUou.— T..

SUNDARAKiNDAHi. loii

Ritksbas? This jewel for the head I had preserved with
tare. In my- misfortune, O sinless one, I used to inspire
cheerfulness by a sight of this, resembling thyself. This
graceful water-sprung (gem) I part from. Hereafter, over-
whelmed with grief, I shall not be able to live. For thee
only do I bear insufferable miseries, heart-cleaving speech,
and companionship with Rikshasas. O destroyer of enemies,
for a month longer will I maintain being. Beyond that,
O king's son, bereft of thee, I will not live. This RSLkshasa
king is dreadful. (This being so), if I hear thee tarrying, I
would not live for a moment.'" Hearing Vaidehi's speech
pathetic and uttered with tears,the highly energetic Hanumin,
son unto the Wind-god, said, — ^'My revered one, I swear unto
thee by truth itself that R3ma neglecteth every business
because of grief for thee. And Rftma being overwhelmed
with woe, Lakshmana burneth in grief. Now that I have
succeeded in seeing thee after no end of ado, this is no time
for lamentation. O fair one, this very moment thou shalt
witness the end of thy woe. Those blameless princes— «

foremost of men, gathering courage from my sight of thee,
shall reduce Lankft to ashes. And, O thou of expansive
eyes, slaying in battle RSLvana along with his friends, Raghu's,
sons shlill take thee back to their own palace. Now, O
faultless lady, thou ought to give me such a sign as R&ma
shall certainly recognise, and as shall more please him by
far." "Ah l'^ (answered Sitft), "I have already furnished
thee with an excellent sign. This ornament, O Hanumin,
when carefully examined by R&ma, O hero, shall render
thy words credible." Thereupon, taking that best of gems,
that graceful foremost of monkeys, bowing down the head
unto that exalted one, prepared to depart. Seeing that
monkey-leader intent upon leaping up, and surcharged
with energy,— 'With his person enlarged, Janaka's daughter,
with a tearful countenance, spake in woe-begone guise,
her accents choked with the vapour of grief, — '^O Hanum&n^

communicate tidings of my good health unto those lioa4ile
brothers, R&ma and Lakshmana, to Sugriva jdoog with his
counsellors, and to all (the monkeys). And it behoveth
thee so to compass things that the mighty-anned RSghava
may rescue me from this sea of sorrow. Do thoiii goiag
to Rlma, make known to him the fierce current of ny grief,
as well as the railing of these Rftkshasas. Good fortane be
thy portion, thou exceedingly heroic OKHikey I" Thoi
furnished with the intentions of the princess^ the moakef,
having gained his object, and, growing exceediiigly exhib*
rated in bis heart, reviewed the small work that yet fonMiacd
for him, became bent upon proceeding to the north.

SECTION XUI.

JjLaving been honored by her (Siti) in eacalleiit wocdif
the monkey proceeding, left that plactt tbinkiagg^^^A sauB
work it is that remains. Beheld have I this dark-eyed la^f-
Passing by three means, I see that I shall hava tS fasoil
to the fourth. No treaty with Rakshas cea answer tha «a4i
Neither can gifts prevail with the wealthy. Nor is it popsiblr
to sow dissensions among persons pro^d ef thaif atreag)ft>
Then, display ot prowess appeareth to i^e i^[>pUc^bla ia Ihii
case. Without resorting to prowess, way fiad I aeaa ki
ensuring success in this matter. If the Rakshaa fiad tkak
foremost heroes fallen in battle, they may teai^par theit
(martial ardour). He that, having compiMMcd his. (ptifqpiQ
purpose, accomplishes many more without laaitiag thl
prime one, is entitled to act He that doeth ft aaiall
is certainly not a workerj-^e it is that kaoweth to
about success in diverse ways, is alone capable ol

SVNDARAKlNDAM. loij

tilt same.^ Altfaoagh my sole commission was to effect
this much,t yet if I repair to the abode of the lord of
monkeys after having ascertained the strength of our
ownselves and that of the foe in the field, then I shall have
done the mandate of my master. How can my arrival (at
this place) be made to bring forth good fruit ? How can I
forcibly bring on engagement with the RSLkshasas ? And
how can the Ten-necked one in battle be made to form a just
estimate of the respective strength of myself and his
forces ? Coming in contact with the Ten-necked one,
with his three orders, forces and charioteers, I shall, reading
the intention that is in his heart, as well as his strength,
—-happily return from hence. This grove of the fell (fiend)
resembling Nandana itself, containing various trees and
plants, and captivating to eye and heart,—- will I destroy ;
even as fire destroyeth a dry wood. This grove being ravaged,
Rftvana shall get into a fury. Then the Rftkshasa monarch
shall summon up an army consisting of horses, elephants^
and mighty cars, equipped with tridents, iron axes and
other arms,-— f and mighty shall be the encounter that shall
take place. And I with unimpaired prowess battling with
those terrific Rakshas, and annihilating that host despatched
by R&vana, shall merrily journey to the abode of the monkey-
king." Then furious like the Wind, the offspring of the
Wind-god possessed of dreadful prowess set about knocking
down the trees with impetuous violence. Then that herO|
Hanumftn, devastated that garden of the damsels, resounding
with the roars of mad elephants, and filled with diverse trees
and shrubs. And with its trees crushed and its tanks dam-
aged, with its fair peaks shattered in fragments and its pools

I ■ ■ > I

* The commentator explains this passage thus : — '*He that by gieat paint
locomplishes a small work, cannot he a great actor ; but he that hringetb
kbout his end iq a varifty of ways throogh the minimum pf effort, Is the
actor."— T.

t >. #. see Siti.

IOI4 RAM A FAN A.

eloquent with the notes of birds, riven all over, with coppery
and withered sprays cast about (in all directions), and with
its trees and plants shorn of their liveliness, — that wood was
no longer beautiful,— as if it had been burnt up by a forest-
fire ; and its plants resembled damsels with their apparel
falling off. And that magnificent wood, with its arbours and
its picture-gallerys destroyed, and its ferocious animals,
beasts and birds crying in distressful accents,— and its rocky
structures and other mansions broken down, was bereft of
its loveliness. And that grove of the inner apartment belong-
ing to the damsels'^ of the Ten-necked one, with its numbers
of agoka trees and plants cast about disorderly, was, in very
sooth, through the might of the monkey, rendered a sight
composed of plants, etc, tending to awaken the regret of the
spectator.t Then having done what was wondrous disagree-
able unto the mind of the magnanimous lord of the world,
that monkey desirous of coping alone with a vast host, stood
by the main entrance, flaming in effulgence.

SECTION XLII.

Xhen on account of the cries of birds and the sounds of
breaking trees, all the dehizons of Lankft were seized
with trepidation in consequence of fright. And agitated
with fear, birds and beasts hurried (on all sides) ; and omeol

^ Proffiaddvanasya'^^en.'— occurs twice io this passage. The ooi
tator, as usual, refines on the word, — to one he assigns a literal sense ;
he explains — of the grove belonging to the protector of tk§ /rwe/w,— L e. tli
wood, which, by arousing their desire for Rivana, aatoied their ili|
there !— T.

t There is a pun on the word joia— occuring twice. One of
originally agoka^ but entering into a vowel combiaatioo with the
word, is the name of a tree ; and Soka means sorrem. The a^^km tfeei hehf
shattered, inspired the enlooker with mA«— ^orr^w.— 'T.

SUNDARAKlNDAM. loij

boding evil unto the Rftkahasas, began to appear (every-
where). And grim-visaged R&kshasis, awaking from their
sleep, saw that wood devastated, and that heroic mighty
monkey. And observing them, that mighty-armed and
powerful monkey endowed with immense strength, magnified
his dimensions, capable of striking terror into the RSlksha-
sas. And beholding that exceedingly strong monkey resembl-
ing a mountain, the R&kshasis asked Janaka's daughter,
saying, ^•"Who is this ? And whence, and wherefore, hath
he come here ? And why did he carry on converse with
tbee ? Tell us this, thou of expansive eyes. O lucky
onei entertain no fear. And, O thou having eyes with
dark outer corners, what is the talk that this one hath held
with tbee ?" Thereat, the chaste Sitft, having all her parts
perfect, answered,— -'* What is my power to read R^Lksliasas
capable of wearing forms at will ? Ye know who he is and
wbathedoeth. Serpents, without doubt, know the way of
serpents. And, furthermore, I am very much frightened,—
nor know I who that one is. I take him to be a RSikshasa,— *
who hath come here through his capacity to put on any
shape." Hearing Vaidehi's words, the RSkshasis swiftly
took to their heels. Some remained,— and some departed
to inform R&vana of the matter. And before RAvana, the
RAksbasis of deformed visages informed him of the hide-
ous and dreadful monkey. ''O king, in the heart of the afoka
wood there is a monkey of a terrific body, who, possessed
of immeasurable might, stayeth, after having carried on a
conversation with JSnaki. Nor, albeit questioned by us many
a time and oft, doth Jmaka's daughter, Sit&, having the eyes
of a deer, intend to tell us who the monkey is. He may be
the emissary of V&sava, or of Vaipravana ; or he may have
been sent by RStma himself from eagerness to get at the
wbereabputs.of Sitft. And he it is that, wearing a wonder-
ful form, hath destroyed thy charming arbour of the interior,
filled with beasts of various kinds.— -And quarter there is

i€)i6 HlAHYiltd.

none which hath not been destroyed by him ; and only that
place where the exalted JStnaki is, remaineth oninjured by
him, — whether for preserving J&naki, or from fatigue-— it
doth not appear. But what is his fatigue ? She it is that
hath been preserved by him. And that overgrown Sin9ap&
tree, affluent with elegant foliage, under which Sit& herself
hath (always rested), hath been spared by him. It behoveth
thee to order sharp chastisement to be iqflicted on that one
of a fierce form, who, having carried on converse with Sitft,
hath laid thy wood waste. Who, O Sovereign of the
RAkshasaSythat hath not his life severed from him,-*conversetli
with Sit&, who hath captivated thy heart 7' Hearing the
speeches of the R&kshasis, R&vana, lord of RAksbasas^
with his eyes rolling in rage^ flamed up like the fire of a
funeral pyre. And as fall drops of lighted oil from a flaming
lamp,fell drops of tears from the eyes of the enraged R&vana.
And that highly energetic one ordered his heroic servants,
resembling himself, to punish Hanumln. And from that man-
sion speedily issued eighty thousand of those retainers, carry-
ing in their hands maces and mallets*, — having huge
bellies, and large teeth, of dreadful forms, and possessed of
unwieldy strength,— all eager to engage in the conflict and
take HanumSLn. And having come near that monkey staying
at the main entrance, those swelling spirits rushed on, even
as insects rush into a flame. And equipped with variegated
maces, and bludgeons, and golden angadas^^ and arrows re-
sembling the Sun, they approached that foremost of monkeys.
And accoutred in maces,axes,and javelins, and bearing beard*^
ed darts and lances iu their hands, they suddenly surrounded
Hanuman and remained before him. And the graceful and
energetic Hanumin also, resembling a hill, flourishing his
tail over the ground, sent up tremendous roars. And attain-

** Kuta — hammer. The commentator, however,says that it means a weapen
resembling a hammer. — T.

t A bracelet worn op the upper arm,-p-T.

SVNDARAFClNDAM 1617

ing^ mighty proportions, HanumSn, son unto the Wind-god,
brandished his tail, filling LankSL with sounds. And at the
sounds of his flourishing, as well as with those resounding
ones set up by himself, birds began to drop down from the
sky. And he loudly proclaimed, — "Victory to the exceedingly
strong RSLma and to the mighty Lakshmana ! And victory
unto king Sugriva, protected of R§ghava ! I am the servant
of the Sovereign of Ko9ala, RSima of untiring deeds,—
(I am) HanumSLn, the destroyer of hostile hosts, offspring of
the Wind-god. And a thousand RSLvanas cannot cope with
me in conflict, when I shall hurl crags and trees by
thousands. In the very presence of all the Rakshas, shall
I, having desolated the city of LankS and paid my
reverence to Maithili, go away, my end being compassed."
They were struck with affright at his roars ; and they beheld
Hanum&n elevated as an evening cloud. And now knowing
for certain that the monkey had been despatched by his
master,' the RSLkshasas commenced assailing him with various
kinds of dire arms.*^ Environed on all sides by those
heroesy that exceedingly powerful one, staying by the main
entrance, took up a terrific bolt. And taking that bolt, like
VinatSl's offspring handling a darting serpent, he slew those
rangers of the night. And grasping (the bolt), the Wind-
god's son began to range the welkin and destroy (the
RSLkshasas), like the thousand-eyed(deity)sIaughteringDaityas
with his thunder-bolt. And having slain those RSikshasas,
who were the retainers of R&vana, the heroic offspring of
the Wind-god — foremost of heroes — desirous of fight, stood
at the gate. Then certain RSkshasas, getting off from the
field in fear, informed R&vana of the destruction of all his
servants. Hearing that a mighty host of the Rakshasas had

been slain, the king, with his eyes whirling in ire, ordered

■

** Swdmisandehanihfancdh — may also mean, having been assured by
Rdvana as to his firm resolve — i.e. the Rdkshasas must fight with ffanumdn,
however desperate the undertaking might prove, — 7*.

128

Prahasta's son of incomparable prowesSi aud inviacible in
battle.

SECTION XLIII.

JLLaving slaughtered the servantSi Hanumftiii having
reflected awhile» thought,^-*'! have broken down the wood ;
but have not destroyed the edifice dedicated to the deities
of the RSLkshasas. Therefore, this very day will I demolish
this structure/' Having thought thus in his heart, that
foremost of monkeys, HanumSLn, son unto the Wind-god,
displaying his strength, bounded unto the Cbaitya* building,
elevated like a summit of Mem. And having ascended the
edifice resembling a mountain, that leader of monkey-bands,
possessed of wondrous energy, looked like another Sun
risen (in the sky). And having broken down that superb
edifice, the irrepressible HanumSLn, flaming in auspicionsness,
resembled (the mountain) PariySLtra. And magnifying his
dimensions through his energy, the offspring of the Wind*
god fearlessly fell to striking his arms with his hands,and tbos
filling LankS. with the sounds. And at those sounds of
striking arms, capable of striking deafness into the bearer,
birds began to drop down there, as well as the warders of the
religious mansion, with their senses overwhelmed. "Victorj
unto Rama versed in arms | And unto Lakshmana endowed
with immense strength ! And victory unto king Sugriva,
who is protected by RSLghava 1 HanuroSn, son onto the
Wind-god, destroyer of hostile hosts, is the slave of Rima
of untiring deeds. And not a thousand Rtvaaas cadi cope
with me in conflict as I hurl stones and trees by thousands.
Having destroyed the city of Lankt and paid my respects
to Mithil^'s daughter, I, my object gained, shall depart in the

* A building designed for deities.— T.

SUNDARAKlNDAM. X019

presence of all the RAkshasas." Having spoken thusi that
one of a prodigious person, seated on the Chaitya^ emitted
tremendous roars, striking terror into the Rakshas. In con*
sequence of that mighty cry, an hundred guards attached to
the Chaitya sallied out, taking various weapons — bearded
darts, scimitars and axes ; and they surrounded the Wind-
god's offspring, as he went on increasing his body. And
they encountered that foremost of monkeys with various
macesi and axes, and golden Angadas^ and arrows resembling
the Sun. And those numbers of Rakshas, encountering that
best of monkeys,resembled an extensive and mighty whirlpool
in the Gang&. Thereat, the Wind-god's son, the mighty
HanumSLn,^ waxing enraged,violent1y uprooting a huge piller of
the edifice, plated with gold, and having an hundred borders,
began to whirl it (in the air).t And the fire generated
there thus^ burnt down the entire edifice. Seeing that
edifice in flames, the graceful monkey*leader, having slaia
the hundred RSkshasas, like Indra slaying Asuras with his
thunderbolt,— 'remaining in the sky, said, — ** Thousands of
strong, high-souled and foremost monkeys like myself,having
been created, and remaining under the command of Sugrtvaj
•—including ourselves as well as other monkeys— are ranging
all over the world. Some are endowed with the strength of
ten elephants, some with the strength of an hundred, some
have the prowess of a thousand elephants, and some
the strength of elephants numbered by herds. Some are
^ua! in strength to the Wind, — and there are there some
monkey-leaders who have no limit to their strength. Sur^
founded with monkeys of this sort, having nails and teeth for
their arms,*— in hundreds and thousands and kotis and
nyutaSf cometh our Sugriva,— the slayer of all (foes).

* Marutatmaya — son unto the Wind-god, left out on the scora of ra-
dwMUocj.— -T.

t The reader is powerfully reminded of a like feat of Manoah'a «ob— 'tke
Herculean Samson.'<^T.

1020 rImXfana.

Neither this city of LankSL, nor you, nor yet Rftvana, sbali
exist, — having created hostility with that high-souled hero
of the IkshwSLku race."

SECTION XLIV.

'OMMANDED by the lord of R&kshasas, Prahasta's son,
the powerful JamvumSli, having large teeth, went out bow
in hand. And he wore a red wreath and attire, with a
garland hung round his neck, and elegant ear-rings ; and
he was huge, and terrible, with his eyes whirling, — invincible
in encounter. And he impetuously stretched a graceful bow,
resembling the bow of Sakra, and roaring like vajra and the
thunderbolt.''^ And the entire welkin, and all sides and
quarters, were suddenly filled with the mighty sounds of that
bow as it was being stretched. And seeing him approaching
in a car yoked with asses, HanumSLn endowed with vigour
both rejoiced and shouted. Thereat, the highly energetic
JamvumSlli pierced with whetted shafts that mighty monkey,
HanumSLn, who was seated on an awry plank at the gate
serving as a perch for pigeons.f He pierced that lord of
monkey's face with half-moon (shaped) arrows, his head with
one having its head made like a hook and his arms with ten
ndrdchas.X And pierced by the arrows, his coppery face
looked beautifirl like a blown autumnal red lotus shot at by the
solar rays. — And his naturally red countenance being painted
with blood, looked lovely like a majestic red lotus in the sky,
washed with the honey of the red agoka. — Wounded by the
shafts, the redoubted monkey grew enraged. And he espied

♦ For distinction between the two, vide ante. — T.

t This is all that I can make of the commentator's gloss on toranati-
tanka^'^T.

J Iron arrows. — T.

SUNDA RA KlNDA M. 1021

a huge and gigantic crag beside him. Thereat, at once up-
rooting it, that one endowed with celerity and strength hurled
it (at his foe). And the enraged RSLkshasa opposed it by ten
shafts. Witnessing his action rendered fruitless^ the energe-
tic HanumSLn of terrific prowess, uprooting a large sdla^
began to whirl it (in the air). Seeing the exceedingly strong
monkey whirling the sdla tree, the highly powerful JamvumSLli
dischanged a many shafts. And he severed the sdla by
means of four shafts, and wounded the monkey in the arm
with five, in the chest, with one, and with ten, between the
teats. With his body covered all over with shafts, (HanumSn)
getting into a furious passion, taking up the same bolt, again
began to swing it with rapidity. And that terrific one
gifted with exceeding impetuosity, having whirled the bolt
with wondrous rapidity, let it light upon JamvumSLli's spacious
breast. And (anon) there was neither seen there his head, nor
bis arms, nor his thighs, nor his bow, nor his car, nor his steeds,
nor his arrows at that place. And that mighty car-warrior,
JamvumSLli, speedily slain, fell down to the earth, like a
tree whose trunk hath been crushed. Hearing JamvumSili
as well as his exceedingly powerful servants slaughtered,
RSLvana became transported with anger, and his eyes became
reddened in wrath. And on the mighty son of Prahasta
having been slain, the lord of the night-rangers, with his
reddened eyes rolling in rage, speedily commanded the
sons of his counsellors, endowed with vast energy and
prowess, (to encounter Hanum&n in battle.)

1012 J^lMlFANA

SECTION XLV.

Xhen ordered by the lord of RSkshasas, the sons of his
counsellors, seven (in number), in splendour resembling fire,
issued forth from that mansion. And surrounded by a mighty
army, furnished with bows, endowed with wondrous strength,
and accomplished in arms^-the foremost of those acquainted
with weapons — each burning for victory, with mighty cars
yoked with steeds, covered with golden net-works, bearing
pennons and standards,and having sounds like those proceed-
ing from clouds, — exultingly stretching with immeasurable
prowess bows decked with gold, — resembling clouds surcharged
with lightning, — those warriors sallied out. Learning that the
servants had been slain, their''^ mothers, along with their
friends and kindred, were overpowered with grief. And
vieing with each other in eagerness, those (warriors) decked
in ornaments of polished gold, confronted HanumSLn staying
at the gate. And with their cars sending roars, the RSLkshasas,
pouring showers of shafts, ranged (the field), resembling
clouds during the rainy season. And covered with those
arrowy showers, HanumSLn had his person concealed, like the
monarch of mountains hidden by a downpour. And that
swift-speeding monkey, coursing the cloudless sky, evaded
those shafts of those heroes, as well as the impetuosity of
their cars. And that hero, playing pranks with those bow-
men, appeared like the masterful Wind playing tricks with
the bow-bearing clouds.f And sending up a dreadful shoati
and thereby filling that vast host with fright, the energetic
Hanum&n rushed on that R^kshasa army. And that subdotr
of enemies slew some with slaps, and some be rived with
nails, and some he killed by blows, and others with (the

* i. €. the mothers of the sons of the counciUon.— T.
t ». #. having the iris.— T.

SUNDARAKlNpAM, 103

pressure of) bis chest. And some dropped down on the
ground at the very same spot at the sounds that he emitted.
And on their being slain or falling on the earth, that army,
afflicted with affright, began to fly in all directions. And the
dephants roared in frightful tones, and the steeds fell down
OB the earth.-^And the Earth was covered with broken boxes,
flagstafis, and umbrellas, (belonging to the cars), as also with
tbe cars themselves.<-— And rivers running gore were seen on
the way, and Lanka uttered various frightful cries. And having
slain those overgrown RAkshasas, that exceedingly powerful
and heroic monkey of terrific power, desirous of again coping
with other R&ksbaias, retraced his steps to the self-same
entrance.

SECTION XLVI.

liBi

:arning that the sons of the counsellors had been
slain by the high-souled monkey, the Ten-necked one sup-
pressing the apprehension that was in his heart, restored the
balance of his mind. And he directed five of the foremost
leaders of his forces, the heroic VirupSksha, Yupaksha, the
Rakshasa Durdharsha, Praghasa^ and Miisakarna, versed in
polity, endowed with the speed of the Wind in conflict and
alert on every occasion,to take HanumSLn captive.'*Ye generals,
do ye taking a mighty host with steeds, elephants and cars,
chastise that monkey. And coming to that dweller of the
woods, ye had better act heedfully, and should accomplish
this work in consonance with place and season. Having
regard to his acts, I do not take him to be a monkey. He
is a great being endowed with extraordinary prowess ever/
way. My mind is not satisfied that he is a monkey. He
may have been brought into being by Indra, through ascetic
might, for injuring us. Backed by you, I have defeated-

I024 RkMArANA.

(deities), and N&gas, and Yakshas, and Gandharbas, and
Asuras, and Maharshis. And, for certaibi they have herein
tried to do us some wrong. Therefore there is no doubt
about this, — do ye hj main force take him. And, ye generals,
go ye, taking a mighty force with steeds, elephants and
cars. Do ye chastise this monkey. This monkey of deli-
berate prowess should not be disregarded by yon. I have
seen*^ monkeys of immense prowess,—- Vftli with Sugriva
and the exceedingly powerful J2lmbavftni and Nila the
general, and others with Dwivida at their head. Their speed
is not dreadful, nor their energy, nor their prowess, nor
their intelligence, nor their strength, nor their courage, nor
their capacity to change shapes. Therefore ye should know
him as some great being staying in the form of a monkey.
Exerting yourself to the uttermost, do ye chastise him.
These three worlds combined, with Indra, celestials and
mortals, are incapable of long staying before you in the field
of battle. Still a person versed in polity, albeit anxious to
secure victory in battle^ should carefully preserve self, as
success in war is unstable." Thereupon, they, possessed of
the energy of fire, accepting the words of their master,rusbed
forth vehemently, accompanied with cars, mad elephants,
fleet steeds, sharp and whetted weapons,— and forces of all
kinds. Then those heroes saw that effulgent mighty monkey,
shining in his native splendour, like tinto the risen sun,—
possessed of great strength and immense speed, and magnani-
mity of mind, — seated at the gate. And soon as they saw
him, they, frightened at his appearance, assailed him with
their respective terrible weapons. And Durdhasa discharged
at HanumSLn's head five white ironf arrows with yellow
heads, and possessing the lustre of Iotus*leaves. Havisf

* There is a word — sighra, soon — in this Mka, of which I fail to
the relation. — T.

t This maj rather look an incongprnotts muLture of imagts ; Irat tlM
arrows may have been silvtrwd over. — ^T.

SUNDARARlNDAM, 1025

been pierced in the head with those shafts, the monkey,
roaring, leapt into the sky, making the ten cardinal points
resound. Then the exceedingly powerful and heroic Durdhara,
mounted on a car, with his bow stringed, came forward,
showering innumerable arrows by hundreds. Thereat, even
as the wind driveth away rain-pouring clouds at the end of
the rainy season, the monkey, remaining in the sky, resisted
(his antagonist) as he kept on pouring his shafts. And sore
beset by Durdhara, the Wind-god*s son again emitted cries,
and that puissant one also increased himself. Then darting
far up in the air, the monkey suddenly descended on the
car of Durdhara with extreme vehemence, like unto a
mass of lightning alighting on a mountain. — Thereat his
eight steeds getting mangled, and the wheels and pole of
his car having been broken, Durdhara leaving the car, fell
down to the earth, deprived of life. Seeing him down on the
earth, those irrepressible subduers of enemies, VirupSlksha
and YupSlksha, waxing wroth, sprang up. And springing up
suddenly, they by means of maces, dealt blows on the chest
of the monkey, who was staying in the unclouded sky.
Thereat resisting the furious rush of those gifted with ebullient
energy, that exceedingly powerful one descended to the
earth with the violence of the Fair-feathered (bird).* Then
getting at and uprooting a sdla tree, that monkey, the
Wind-god's offspring, slew both of those heroic RSLkshasas.
Learning that those three had been slain by tlie monkey
gifted with speed, the mighty and onrushing Praghasa
laughing in scorn advanced (in the encounter). And the
energetic BhSlsakarna also came forward in rage, taking a
dart. And (they) meeting together, Praghasa assailed the
famous, tiger-like monkey with a sharp-edged axe, and
Bh&sakarna (attacked) the elephantine monkey with a javelin.
And with his limbs wounded by them, and his hair wetted
with blood, that monkey resembling in splendour the infant

* Suparna — a name of Garura. — T.
129

gzoi rXmIFANA.

sun, grew furiously enraged. And that elephantine monkey,
the heroic Hanum&ni uprooting a mountain-peak| with beasts,
snakes, and trees (in it), slew those Rftkshasas ; and, crushed
by that mountain-summit, they were reduced to powder. On
those five generals having fallen, the monkey slew the
remaining forces. And as the thousand-eyed Deity destroyed
Asuras^ the monkey destroyed steeds with steedsi elephants
with elephants, warriors with warriorSi and cars with cars.
And with horses and elephants, swift steeds, with broken
wheels and mighty cars, and RSlkshasas slain, all the ways
were blocked up. And having destroyed in battle the heroic
generals with all their forces and vehides, that hero in
the same .way rested at the gate like Kftla himself engaged in
destroying people, when he hath gained respite.

SECTION XLVII.

H EARING that the five generals bad been slain by
Hanumin alone with their vehicles and followers, the king,
gazing at prince Aksha, who was ready and eager to go to
battle, commanded him to take the field. And that puissant
one of a bow decked with gold, on being commanded (by
RSivana) with a glance, started up, like unto fire on being
fed by clarified butter by foremost regenerate persons on the
sacrificial ground. And that best of Nairitas* possessed of
prowess, ascending a car resembling the infant sun m
effulgence, and surrounded all round with networks of
burnished gold, sallied forth in quest of that mighty monkey.
And (that warrior) in prowess resembling an immortal,sallisd
out ascending that car, obtained with loog-continned
asceticism, embellished with a network of glowing goM,

* R^kshasas.

SONDA RAKlNDAM. 1027

furnished with pennons,having a standard studded with gems,
Dicely yoked with eight excellent steeds having the fleetness
of thought, incapable of being overpowered either by
celestials or AsuraS|Competent to course over uneven ground,
of the lustre of lightning, sky-ranging, completely
garnished, equipped with quivers, with swords fastened to
the banners in eight directions, with darts and lances
arranged in proper places, splendid with every object in full
measure, bearing golden threads, wearing the brilliancy
of the sun and moon, and possessing the effulgence of the
sun. And filling the firmament and the earth containing
mountains with sounds proceeding from steeds,elephants and
mighty cars, — he, accompanied by his forces, presented
himself before the capable monkey, who was seated at the
gate. And coming before the monkey, Aksha, having the
gaze of a lion,with eyes betokening regard, gazed at HanumSLn
resembling the Fire on the occassion of the universal dissolu-
tion at the end of b. yuga^ intent on destroying creatures, and
who was seated and was influenced alike by surprise and
regard. And seriously considering the impetuosity of the
high-souled monkey as well as his prowess in relation to a
foe, — as also his own strength, he increased (in strength) like
the Sun on the expiration of a Yuga. And growing enraged,
(Aksha), staying calmly in the field, with concentrated soul,
challenged HanumSn difficult to resist in conflict and of
prowess worthy to witness, with three whetted shafts. And
finding the monkey proud and untiring, capable of vanquish-
ing his foe, and possessed of exalted spirits, Aksha took up
bis bow and held his arrows in his hands. And wearing
a golden corslet^ angadas, and earings, and possessed of
fiery vigor, he closed with the monkey ; and their meeting
was something unparalleled on this earth, — and was calculat-
ed to raise the respect* even of the celestials and the

* Sambhramaprada, according to RcUn&nuja, means, capable of exciting

I028 RlMlLVANA.

Asuras. And witnessing the mighty conflict of the prince
and the monkey. Earth emitted cries, and the Sun did not
burn, and the Wind did not blow, and the mountains shook,
and the welkin sounded, and the main was vexed. And
that hero, skilled in aiming, fixing and discharging arrows,
shot at the monkey's head three fine-headed feathered shafts
plated with gold near the feathers, and resembling venomous
serpents. And with his rolling eyes washed with blood in
consequence of the shafts having alighted at his head,
HanumSn, resembling a new-risen Sun having arrows for its
rays, looked splendid like the light-engarlanded Sun. And
seeing in battle that son of the foremost of monarchs, with
his excellent weapons upraised and his beautiful bow, that
best of the counsellors of the lord of monkeys, rejoiced, and
intent on encounter, increased himself. And with bis ire
heightened, that one endowed with energy and prowess, like
unto the ray-decorated (Sun) on the crest of Mandara,* began
to burn with the fiery rays of his eyes, Aksha, along with
his forces and vehicles. And as a mass of clouds showereth
rain on a high hill, the arrow-showering R&kshasa resembling
clouds, having the bow for his rain-bow, discharged shafts
at that foremost of monkeys, representing a mountain. And
then the monkey, having sounds like those of clouds,
beholding in battle Aksha of terrific prowess in conflict,
and strong in energy, strength and shafts, sent up shouts
from elation of spirits. And as an elephant approacheth a
deep pit covered over with grass, (Aksha) from a spirit of
childishness elated in conflict with his prowess, with his ire
heightened, and eyes resembling blood, drew near the
monkey in the field. And as Aksha went on hastily pouring
shafts, that one uttering roars resembling the rumbling of
clouds, looking terrible in consequence of his arms and thighs
flung about, darted into the sky with exhuberant energy. And

^ The Sun is on Mandara in mid-day ; therefore the meridian 8n b
meant hcre.^T.

SUN DA RA RlNDA M. 1029

as be leapt up, that strong and powerful one-— foremost of
RSlksbasas— that car-warrior and the best of choice car-
warriors— rushed at (Hanum2in), showering arrows on him,
like a cloud showering hail-stones on a mountain. And
dashing in the midst- of the arrows like the wind, and thus
bafSing them, the heroic monkey of dreadful prowess in
conflict, and endowed with the speed of thought, began to
range the path of the air. And witnessing Aksha with
regardful eyes, as that one intent on contest, taking his bow,
was covering the sky with various excellent arrows, the
Wind-god's offspring was plunged in thought. Wounded in

•

the arm with shafts by that high-souled, noble prince, that
mighty-armed one, capable of adequately appreciating the
nature of actions, thought on (Aksha's) prowess in battle.
"This exceedingly powerful one, endowed with the splendour
of the infant sun, is doing dire deeds incapable of being
done by a boy ; and I am loth to slay one that hath shown
himself equal to every martial feat. This one is high-souled,
mighty in energy, of concentrated self, and capable of bearing
extreme' hardships in war ; without doubt, by virtue of
his actions, he is worthy of being honored by N§gas, Yakshas
and ascetics. With his mind braced by prowess and hope,that
foremost of heroes eyeth me staying in the fore-front. The
prowess of this light-handed (one), I ween, maketh even
the hearts of the celestials and Asuras tremble. If I
disregard him, he shall certainly vanquish me, for his
prowess in battle increaseth (fast). Therefore I must even
slay him : it is not proper to suffer an increasing lire." Thus
reflecting on the strength of his foe and having ascertained
his line of action, that puissant one endowed with great
strength, summoned energy and set his heart on slaying
him (his antagonist). And remaining in the path coursed
by the air,that heroic monkey, the offspring of the Wind-god,
with his slaps slew his eight powerful and excellent steeds,
capable of bearing pressure and trained to diverse circular

I030 RAMlrlNA.

movements. And successfully assailed by the councilor
of that lord of monkeys, the car with its seat smashed, and
its pole broken, and deprived of its steeds, fell to the earth
from the sky. Thereat, forsaking that car, the mighty car-
warrior sprang up into sky with his bow and holding his
sabre, — and (resembled) an ascetic of fierce energy conse-
quent on austerities, going up to heaven, renouncing his
body. Then the monkey possessed of the energy and vigor
of the Wind, approaching him as he was ranging the air
coursed by the king of birds, the Wind and the Siddhas, at
length fast caught hold of his legs. And as the foremost o(
birds, Garura taking a mighty serpent, whirls it, that foremost
of monkeys, resembling his sire in prowess, whirling Aksha
in the conflict, violently dropped him on the earth. And
with his arms, thighs and chest crushedi bleeding, (haviog
his bones and eyes smashed, his joints riven, and his tendons
snapped, the RSLkshasa lay on the earth^Iain by the offspriiig
of the Wind-god. And tormenting him (Aksha) on the earth,
that mighty monkey caused great fright unto the ruler of the
Rakshasas ; and he was gazed at by the assembled Mahaishii
and the orbit-coursing ones and all beings with Yakshas
and Pannagas, come to see him. And on the priaoa
being slain, that monkey was gazed at by the celestials wikh
Indra, who had been seized with extreme wondermeat
And having slain in battle prince Aksha resembling a aoa
of the celestials and possessed of blood-red eyesi the hcft
(again) neared the same gate, and waited there like lUU
bent upon destroying all creatures.

SUN DA RA KIND A M. 1 03 1

SECTION XLVIII.

'N prince Aksha having been slain by HanumSLn, the
magnanimous monarch of the RSLkshasas^wrought up by wrath,
repressing his feelings, ordered Indrajit resembling a
celestial, (to take the field against the foe.) 'Thou art the
foremost of those bearing arms ; and thou hast afflicted
even the gods and Asuras (in battle) ; thy deeds have been
witnessed by the celestials with Indra; and thou hast pro-
cured a weapon* even from the Great-father. And coping
(in conflict) with thy might of arms, all the celestials with
the Maruts, headed by the lord of celestials himself, could
not stay in the field. And there is none in these three worlds
(save thyself), who doth not come under the influence of
fatigue in battle. And thou art preserved by the prowess
of thy arms, and protected also by thy ascetic merit ; and
being skilled in the knowledge of season and place, thou,
methinks, art the foremost of them all in intelligence. And
there is no deed which thou canst not perform in the field ;
and there is nothing in counsel capable of being arrived at
by arguing on the lines prescribed by the scriptures, which
thou art not equal to ; and there is none in all the three
worlds who doth not know thy strength and prowess in arms.
And thy ascetic energy is like unto mine, as well as thy
prowess and might in arms in battle. And having thee
in the conflict, my mind assured (of victory), doth not expe-
rience sorrow. Slain have been all the servants, as also
Jamvum&li, and those five generals, the heroic sons of my
councilors, and the swelling forces including steeds,
elephants and cars. And low lieth Mahodara, and prince
Aksha hath also been slain. O destroyer of foes, my mind

- * via, the Brahma weapon.— T.

1032 RlMlFANA.

did not feel the same confidence in them that I do in thee.*
And seeing this mighty host slain, as well as the prowess
and energy of the monkey, and the taking into consideration
thine own strength, do thou put forth thy energy according
to thy strength. And on nearing the scene (of conflict),
do thou, O foremost of those bearing arms, seeing thine
own strength and that of the foe, so exert thyself that the
latter, (now) resting quietly in consequence of having created a
carnage (on the hostile hosts), may wax cnfeebled.t O hero,
army can serve no purpose here ; for hosts fly (before)
HanumSn or are reduced to nothing. Neither can it avail
to use arms of terrific power and resembling the thunderbolt.
Nothing can resist the rush of the Wind-god^s offspring ;
and this one like unto fire is incapable of being slain with
weapons. Revolving well (in thy mind what I have remarked),
do thou in order to the attainment of success, with an
intent mind remember the divine virtue of this bow, and
repairing (to battle) strive to vanquish the foe, baffling his
attacks4 O foremost of intelligent ones, (that I send
thee to battle) is certainly not proper ; yet this course of
action is endorsed by Kshatriyas and those following
the morality of kings. O subduer of enemies, one should be
versed in various branches of learning as well as be masterful
in war.§ He that craves victory in fight, should be acquaint*
ed with various branches of knowledge. ||

* According to another reading, the meaning wonld be :— "O bctt of
warriors, do thou, considering thy own strength and that dL Hhm eneny, m
exert thyself that he may no longer inflict terrible lostee on cmr an^.**
(Tirtha).— T.

t Another meaning is : Looking on ihysilf, and fnci #» w^ ftr^mjt et
constituting my main stay, put forth thy promt$9j—T.

X One should know in what branches of knowledge one's eaemj b
and, understanding this, one should strive for victory.-^T.

§ According to a different reading,the meaning would be, "Thoa mit
tent to fight agreeably to the rules."— T.

[j The Sloka is very difficult and incapable of interpreUtioB witkoil ^
places meanings being read into it.— -T.

SVNDARAKANDAM. 1033

Hearing the words of his father, (Indrajit) gifted with
celestial prowess, determined to fight, instantly circumambu-
lated him. Excited with a desire for fight and worked up
with energy, Indrajit, eulogized by the friendly RSlkshasas,
set out for battle. And that highly effulgent and graceful
son of the lord of the RSikshasas, having expansive eyes
resembling lotus-petals, — issued out like unto the rising of
the ocean during a parva,^ Thereupon Indrajit of unbear-
able prowess, equal to the lord of the celestials, ascended
a car drawn by four horses, having sharpened teeth and
resembling Garura in velocity. And that master of a car and
foremost of bowmen, conversant with the use of all weapons
—the best of those using swords — proceeded soon in his car
where HanumSn was. And hearing the sound of his car and
the twang of his bow, that heroic monkey attained an excess
of delight. And taking up a bow and sharpened darts,
Indrajit, versed in the rules of war, proceeded towards
HanumSln. And as he issued out for battle, greatly delighted,
with arrows in his hands, all the quarters became dark,
and jackals began to set up terrible cries. And there
arrived the Nagas^ the Yakshas, the Maharshis, the planets,
and the Siddhas, and the birds, covering the welkin, and,
greatly delighted, began to make a noise. And beholding that
car having a flag like that of Indra, approach very quickly,
the monkey began to emit terrible roars and increase
himself. And Indrajit too, seated on the celestial car and
having a painted bow, began to stretch it, emitting a sound
resembling that of thunder. Thereupon closed in conflict
those two greatly powerful (heroes) — gifted with swift move-
ments and fearless in battle — the monkey, and the son of the
lord of RSLkshasas, like unto the lords of celestials and Asuras.
And baflling the shafts of that hero of a mighty car, an accom-
plished bowman and a finished warrior, the immeasurably

* A name given to certain days in the lunar month at the full and change
of the moon, and the 8th and 14th of each half month. — T.

130

1034 RlAlArANA.

powerful monkey increasing himself began to range in
the welkin.* Thereupon the heroic (Ind raj it)— slayer of
foes— began to discharge incessantly shafts, large, sharp,
well*feathered, painted in gold and swift-coursing like unto
thunder. And hearing again the noise of his car,the sounds of
drums, bugles, and war-drums, and the twangs of the bow, he
again leaped up (in the sky). And baffling the aim of (Indrajit),
who had always an eye on it, that great monkey ranged at
a distance from those shafts. And again facing the arrows
and stretching his hands, the Wind-god's son again leaped up.
And those two heroes,gifted with swift movements and versed
in the art of war, engaged in a combat, admired of all
beings. And HanumSln could not find out the short-comings of
the RSLkshasa, nor could that high-souled one detect the
weak points of the son of the Wind-god. And these two
gifted with celestial prowess, engaged in conflict, became
unbearable unto each other. And seeing him unhurt though
aimed at with infallible arrows, the high-souled (Indrajit), con-
trolling his senses, engaged in deep and devout meditationt
(to realize the true identity of HanumSn). Thereupon, that
son of the lord of Raksbasas pinned his thoughts upon
that foremost of monkeys, and, finding him incapable of
being slain, he began to devise plans how he could be bound.
And that hero, foremost of those versed in the use of
weapons, discharged at that best of monkeys the highly
powerful weapon conferred on him by BrahmS, the Great-
father of the celestials. And knowing him incapable of being
slain, Indrajit conversant with the use of weapons, bound

♦ Literally it means the passage of his father. Hanumdn's father being
the Wind, it means the sky. — T.

t According to Hindu philosophy, one by virtue of yoga and self-control
can realize many great things which are beyond ordinary human concep*
tion. Beholding Hanumin unhurt though assailed incessantly with terrible
shafts, Indrajit at once jumped at the conclusion that he must be a great spirit
in a monkey.form. To realize who he in reality was, he engaged in ^^tf
or devout meditation.— T.

SUN DA RA Kl NDA M 1 03 5

that large-armed son of the Wind-god with that weapon.
And being bound up by that RSikshasa with the weapon,
the monkey became motionless and fell down on the earth.
And thinking that he was bound up with a Brahma weapon,
he did not feel the least pain in consequence of
BrahmSL's blessing. And that heroic monkey began to
think of the boons conferred on him by the Great-father
of the celestials. And thinking that the weapon was
conferred by the Self-create and consecrated by sacred
Mantras, HanumSn began to think of boons conferred
by the Great-father. **In consequence of the power of the
Lord of creation I am incapable of extricating myself
from these bonds/' (Knowing this by means of devout medita-
tioUihe reflected again,) — "This has been ordained by Him,and
I must put up with this pain for sometime." Revolving well
the power of the weapon, the boon of the Great-father, and
his own prowess to extricate himself from the bonds, the
monkey followed the Great-father's behest, — *'I do not fear
though bound by this weapon, since I am being protected by
BrahmSLi Indra and the Wind-god. It will be better if I am
carried off by the Rikshasas, for I shall reap very
j^reat benefit by my conversation with the lord of Rikshasas.
Therefore let the enemies carry me." Having resolved
this, the considerate (monkey) — slayer of foes — remained
motionless. And being ruthlessly bound by the foes
and remonstrated with by them, he began to moan piteously.
And beholding that slayer of foes motionless, the RSLkshasas
bound him up with cotton and bark. And he gladly
allowed himself to be tied up and rebuked by his enemies,
thinking that be might converse with the lord of the
R2Lkshasas, if he, out of curiosity, should like to see him.
Being bound with bark, that powerful (monkey) got
himself freed from the binding of the weapon, for the binding
force of a Brahma weapon becomes null when there is
any other binding. And beholding that best of monkeys tied

1036 RlMAfANA.

up with bark and liberated from the binding of the weapon,
Indrajit reflected that the binding force of the Brahma weapon
became powerless when there was any other binding. "Alas,
(those Rakshas) have rendered my mighty deed fruitless.
They know not the action of Mantras."*^ And on the
Brahma weapon being baffled, any other weapon cannot effect
anything ; and thus we have all been placed in a critical
predicament." On being released from the weapon, HanumSn
did not betray any signs of his liberation, albeit he was
pulled by the Rakshasas and pained by the bonds they had
bound him with. And the monkey; Hanumftn, was pulled by
those cruel RSlkshasas having fatal boxes, in the direction of
the lord of RSlkshasas. And seeing (Hanum&n) freed from the
(Brahma) weapon yet bound by the bark of trees, he (Indrajit)
showed the exceedingly powerful and highly heroic monkey
unto the king along with his adherents. And the Rlkshasas
related unto the ruler of Rakshas everything touching that
foremost of choice monkeys, resembling a mad elephant
who was in bonds. ''Who is he ? And whose son ? And
wherefrom ? And what's his errand ? And by whom is he
backed ?" — thus did the heroic Rlkshasas converse on
beholding HanumSln. And others said,— ''Kill him,'' "Burn
him/' — "Eat him up." The RSlkshasas, growing enraged, thus
Sdid unto each other. — Having passed some way, that
magnanimous one saw there old servants sitting at the feet
of the lord of Rakshasas, — as well as a mansion embellished
with countless jewels. And the exceedingly energetic
RSlvana saw that foremost of monkeys dragged hither and
thither by RSikshasas of frightful forms. And that best of
monkeys too saw that lord of R&kshasas, endowed with
strength and energy and resembling the resplendent son.
And with his reddened eyes rolling, the ten*necked OM^
gazing at that monkey, ordered his principal coontelloni

* That the action of a Brahma maif^ni upoa ono is oallUM ifostii
bound physically.— T.

boasting of higli pedigree and noble character^ (to
interrogate the incomer). And by turns questioned by them
as to his mission and purpose, as well as the fundamental
occasion (of his inroad), that foremost of monkeys replied,^
"A messenger, I come (from Sugriva.)*'

SECTION XLIX.

^oLnd struck with his* deed, that one of dreadful vigor,
HanumSLn, his eyes reddened in wrath, steadily looked at
the lord of Rakshas ; flaming in gorgeous and precious gold,
with a splendid diadem studded with pearls; (adorned
with) excellent ornaments, containing diamonds and costly
gems, — seeming to have been forged by the mind ; appareled
in costly linen ; smeared with red sandal paste, and
beautifully painted with various and variegated devices ;t
looking splendid with his sightly yet terrible eyes ; having
sheeny, sharp and long teeth, — with hanging lips ; — and
that hero (saw) that one of great energy, radient with
ten heads ; like unto Mandara with its summits containing
serpents ; resembling a mass of blue collyrium ; with his
breast graced by a chain ; with his countenance possessed of
the lustre of the moon ; looking like a cloud beside the new-
risen Sun ; with his dreadful arms bound with keyuras, and
graced with excellent sandal paste, brilliant with angadas,
and resembling five*headed serpents ; seated on a superb
seat, — upon a spacious, variegated, and gay sheet embellished
with crystals, and studded with gems ; ministered on all sides
by gorgeously adorned damsels,bearing hair-furnished fans,—
the strength-elated one surrounded by four Rakshas — his

♦ Indrajit's.— T.

t e. |r. the three horizontal marks painted on the forehead by Saivas and
Sdktas.^T.

1 038 RlMlrANA

counsellors versed in the mystery of counseli^viz.,
Durdharai Prahastajthe Raksha Mah2ipftr9wa, and the minister
Nikumbha, — like the entire world girt round by the four
seas, — and encouraged by other counselors, fair of
forms and versed in counsel, even like the sovereign of
celestials by the celestials. And Hanumftn beheld the
immensely energetic lord of RSLkshasas surrounded (on all
sides by his advisers), like a cloud containing water on a
summit of Meru. And undergoing exceeding trouble at
the hands of the Rakshas of dreadful prowess, (HanumILn)
struck with mighty amaze, gazed at the lord of Rakshas.
And seeing the sovereign of Rakshas, appearing splendid,
HanumSn, bewildered by his effulgence, mentally reflected :
''Ah ! the form ! Ah { the patience ! Ah ! the strength ! Ah !
the splendour ! Ah ! the entire auspiciousne^s of the king
of RSikshasas ! If the lord of RSLkshasas were not impious unto
the height, this one could well be the protector themselves
of the celestial regions with Sakra. But in consequence of
the fell and remorseless acts of this one, which are the
aversion of every one, all the worlds with gods and demons
hold him in fear. This one, being angered, dares to convert
this earth into one entire ocean." Beholding the potency
of the RSLkshasa king of immeasurable prowess,the intelligent
monkey thus indulged in a variety of thought.

SECTION L.

S^BEING the tawney-eyed one staying before hiip, the
mighty-armed RSLvana, affrighter of (the worlds), wai over-
whelmed with fierce wrath. And gazing at that foremost of
monkeys girt with power, and with his soul exercised with
apprehension, he (thought), — "Is this the worshipful Naadi.
come hither in person, by whom I, on my jeering al hiniilMd

SUNDARAKlNDAM, 1039

formerly been cursed in KailSlfa X^ Or is this one wearing
the shape of a monkey Vali's son, V^na ?*' And with his
eyes coppery with rage, the king asked his foremost
counselori Prahasta, in words fraught with sense and suiting
the season,— "Ask this wicked-minded one, whence is he ?
And what led him to ravage the grove, and what was his
object in brow-beating the R&kshasas ? And what hath been
his purpose in entering my metropolis incapable of being
subdued ; and what for did he also fight (with my retainers ?)
Do thou ask the wicked-minded one about this." Hearing
R&vana's speech, Prahasta said,— "Take heart ! Fair fortune
to thee ! Thou needst not be alarmed, O monkey. If thou
hast been sent to RSLvana's residence by Indra, tell us truly
everything. Let no fear, O monkey, be thine. Thou shalt
be liberated. If thou belong to Vai9ravana, or to Yama, or
to Varuna, and hast entered into this city of ours disguising
(thy proper shape), — or if thou hast been despatched by
Vishnu burning for victory, (tell us this truly). Thy prowess
is certainly not that of a monkey, — thy form alone is that
of a monkey. Unfold this (unto us) faithfully, — O monkey,
and thou shalt get (back) thy liberty. But if thou shouldst say
aught untruthful, thy life shall pay dear for it. Or tell us
wherfore thou hast entered into RSLvana's mansion." Thus
addressed then, that foremost of monkeys said unto the lord
of R&kshasas, — **I am not Sakra's, nor Yama's, nor Varuna's.
I have no friendship with Dhanada,t nor have I been des-
patched by Vishnu. This is my race ; and I have come
hither a monkey for obtaining a sight of the Rakshasa
chief. And it is to attain a sight of the RSLkshasa lord that I
have destroyed his peerless grove ; and it is for this that, the
powerful RSLkshasas seeking for fight, I for the preservation
of my person have resisted them in conflict. I am incapable
of being slain with weapons even by the celestials and the

* RAvana bad formerly laughed at Nandi for his monkey-face. — T.
t Lit. — giver of wealth— a designation of Kuvera. — T.

I040 RAMXYaI^A.

Asuras themselves. This boon I also'^ happen to have
received from the Great-father. It is because I was desirous
of seeing the king that I have suffered this weapon to restrain
me. Although the RSikshasas have brought me (hither thus),
yet I am free from any weapon (restraining me). I come
near thee on a certain business of RSLma. Knowing me for
a messenger of RSighava endowed with measureless prawess,
do thou, O Iord| listen to my words, calculated to work
thy profit."

SECTION LI.

J^EEING the Ten-necked one of mighty energy, that
foremost of monkeys, endued with strength, calmly spoke
unto him words containing sense,"— I have come unto
thee at the command of Sugriva, O lord of RSLkshasas. Thy
brother, the king of monkeys, enquires after thy welfare.
Listen to the desire of thy brother, the high-souled Sugriva,
and his words fraught with righteous sense and capable of
working one's good here and hereafter. King Da9aratha,
master of cars and elephants and steeds, — is the friend of
all like unto their father, and is furnished with the splendour
of the sovereign of celestials. His eldest son, — mighty-armed,
and masterful, the darling (of his sire), hath, in accordance
with his father's order, entered the forest of Dandaka with
his brother Lakshmana and his wife Sita. His name is
R5m,i, and he is exceedingly energetic, and ever abideth
on the path of virtue. His spouse, the celebrated SilS,
daughter unto Vidcha, the high-souled king Janaka, either
died or was carried off in JanasthSna. Seeking for that
exalted lady, the king's son, accompanied by his younger
brother, arriving at Rhrishyamuka, met with Sugriva. And

* like thyself.

SUNDARAKlNDAM. 1041

Sugriva promised that he would undertake the search for
Sits, and RSlma (on his part promised) that he would confer
on Sugriva the kingdom of the monkeys. And, thereupon,
slaying VSli in battle, the king's son established Sugriva
as the lord of the monkeys. Thou formerly hast known
that foremost of monkeys, Vlli. That monkey was slain
in battle by him (RSlma) with a single shaft. And, thereupon,
the lord of monkeys, Sugriva, true to his vow, eager for
searching SitSL, despatched monkeys in all directions. And
thousands and hundreds and niyutas of monkeys are explor-
ing all sides, below and above in the sky. And some are
like Vinata's offspring, ••• and some like the Wind ; their
course is incapable of being resisted ; and those heroic
monkeys are endued with strength and celerity. I, Hanumin
by name, am the son of the Wind-god. For Sita, I, desirous
of seeing her, have come hither, bounding over the main
measuring a full hundred Yoyanas. And as I was roving, I
came to see Janaka's daughter in thy house. Thou art
cognizant of righteousness and interest, and hast attained
prosperity through thy asceticism. Therefore, O eminently
wise one, thou ought not to confine another's wife. Actions
opposed to righteousness, and bringing on countless evils,
and causing extermination, — ill become persons of thy sort.
Who is there even among celestials and Asuras that is
competent to stay before the shafts shot by Lakshmana and
KSima in wrath ? There is none, O king, in all the three
worlds, that is capable of attaining ease, after inflicting
injury on Righava. Treading the path of virtue and profit,
do thou pay heed unto my speech fraught with good for
three times ;t and do thou return jSnaki unto that fore-
most of men. Seen have I this exalted lady, — which was
difficult to compass. As for what remaineth to be done,
R&ma himself shall bring it about. That SitSL I have beheld

* Garura. — T.
t Present, past, and future. — T.

'3'

1042 itlAiArAiyA.

overwhelmed with griefi whom, albeit resembling a five'*
hooded serpent in thy mansion, thou knowst not. And
even as food thoroughly mixed with poison, being taken, is
incapable of being digested,this one is incapable of being sub-
dued even by the celestials and Asiiras. It is not proper to
destroy religious merit reaped by undergoing extreme
mortification, as well as access of life (attained by the same
means).* Thou deemst thyself by virtue of thy asceticism
incapable of being destroyed by the celestials and Asuras ;
and herein thy great merit (incident to thy austerities) is
the cause. — But Sugriva is not a god or a Yaksha or a
RSikshasa. RSghava, O king, is a mortal and Sugriva is
the lord of monkeys. How canst thou, O king, save thy-
life from them ? He that, confiding in his strength,committeth
himself to foul proceedings, cannot count upon his righteous
deeds, but his evil ones follow him. Virtue destroyeth vice,
(yet vice like thine destroyeth all virtue).t Thou,without doubt,
hast obtained the fruit of thy righteousness, and the fruit
also of this iniquity thou shalt reap without delay. And
taking to heart the carnage in Janasth&na and the slaying
of Vali as well as the friendship of Rama with Sugriva, do
thou understand thine own good. I, alone that I am, can at
my will destroy Lanka with her steeds and elephants and
cars ; but he whose envoy 1 am hath not yet decided on
this point. Rama hath in presence of the tawny-eyed (ones)
forsooth promised the annihilation of the foe by whom Sita
hath been sore oppressed. On wronging RSLma, Purandara
himself cannot escape scot-free, — what shall I say of persons
like thee ? Her whom ihou knowest as SitS staying in thine
abode — know her for the Fatal Night that shall bring
destruction down on all Lanka. Therefore, beware of thyself
turning about thy neck the fatal noose in the shape of Sita !

* By such an iniquitous act as this. — T.

t The parenthetical part is the comnnentator's filling in of the difficicncy
in the bcntinicnt. — T.

SUNDAKAKANDAM. 1043

Do thou rather study thy welfare. Thou shalt behold this
city crowned with edifices and stalls, in flames fed by the
wrath of RSLma, and consumed by the energy of Siti. Do
not bring to destruction thine friends and ministers, and
kindred, and brethren and sons, and thine entire welfare,^
thine enjoyments and wives and this Lank^. O sovereign
of the R&kshasas, do thou faithfully listen to these words
of me, a monkey and the servant and envoy of Rima.
Abolishing all the worlds with their creatures mobile
and immobile objects, the illustrious RSLma is capable of
creating these anew. Neither among celestials nor Asuras,
Yakshas, Rakshas, nor serpents, Vidy^dharas, NagSs,
. Gandfaarbas nor beasts, Siddhas, the foremost Kinnaras,
nor all birds,— nowhere among any class of beings in all
time breathes he who can cope with R&ma equal to Vishnu's
self in prowess. Having done such a wrong unto ^he
foremost of all creatures-^even unto that lioil of a monarch,
Rftma, thy life is in high peril. Neither deities nor Daityas,
nor the foremost night-rangers, nor Gandharbas and
Vidy&dbaras, nor N&gas,nor Yakshas, can stay in fight against
RAma — the leader of these three worlds. And neither
Brabmft, self-create, having four countenances, nor the three-
eyed Rudra, destroyer of Tripura, nor the august Indra,
the generallissimo of the celestials, can stay in fight before
RSlma.'' Hearing the distasteful yet excellent speech of the
bold and matchless monkey, the ten-necked one, with his eyes
whirling in wrath, ordered the destruction of that mighty
monkey.

1044 HM^klTAiSfA

SECTION Lll.

JJL EARING the words of the high-souled monkey, R&vana,
bereft of his senses by wrath, ordered that he should be put to
death. On the death of that one who had proclaimed his own
position of beings an envoy .having been ordered by the wicked-
minded RSLvana, Vibhishana did not agree (with the decision).
And knowing that the lord of RSkshasas was wroth and that
that affair"^ was at hand, Vibhishana, resolved to act according
to justiccj began to reflect as to what was to be done.
Having arrived at a decision, that one skilled in speech,
paying homage unto that conqueror of foes, his elder brother,
spoke unto him in words eminently good, — *'0 lord of
R&kshasas, forgive me and renounce thy wrath.f Extend
thy favor unto me, and hear these words of mine. Lords of
the earth, endowed with integrity and knowing high and
low, never put messengers to death. The taking the
monkey's life, O king, is opposed to morality and repugnant
to social usage ; and it is also unworthy of thyself. Thou
understandst morality, art grateful and versed in the morality
of sovereigns, and canst distinguish between high and low
among beings, and even thou knowst the prime sense of
things. If discerning persons like thee come under the govern-
ance of passion, mere toil is the pains that are undergone to
master the scriptures. Therefore, O destroyer of enemies,
be pacified. O lord of R§kshasas, difficult to approach,
consider what is proper or otherwise, and then do thou mete
out punishment to the envoy.*' Hearing Vibhishana's speech,
R&vana lord of Rakshasas, overcome with a mighty wrath,
answered, — "O slayer of foes, to slay the sinful doth not

• The destruction of Hanum&n. — T.

t The commentator says, the passage means, — ^Give up thy promise {Jo slay
Hanumdn) and abate thy anger. — 7".

SUNDAKAKKNDAM. 1045

cause sin. Therefore shall I slay this monkey, worker of
iniquity." Hearing these words grounded in unrighteousness,
evil every way, and worthy of the base, that foremost of
intelligent ones, Vibhishana, spoke words couching supreme
import, — "O lord of Lank&, be propitious. O Sovereign of
R&kshasas, listen to speech containing the significance of
virtue and profit. O king, an envoy is not to be put to death
on the occasion of his discharging his proper functions.
This righteous people say everywhere unto all. Surely this
is an overgrown enemy ; and he hath perpetrated immense
injury (unto us). But say the good, envoys are not to be
slain, albeit many are the punishments that have been
assigned for messengers. Disfigurement of the body, stripes,
shaving of the head,— one of these or all combined, — these
are said to be the punishments that should be inflicted on
envoys. But I have not heard of the punishment of death
being a penalty of the envoy. Why doth one like thee,
having one's intelligence rendered meek as respects righteous-
ness and profit, and capable of proceeding on certain
decisions on the merits or otherwise of things, — come under
the sway of passion f Those possessed of power never
give way to anger. Neither in religious discussion, nor in
social concerns, nor in appropriating the right sense of
the scriptures, is there any that can approach thee, O hero.
Verily thou art the foremost among celestials and Asuras. In-
vincible to the gods and Asuras themselves gifted with
prowess^ high spirits and intelligence, thou hast in battle
oftentimes put to the rout the chiefs of celestials and
monarchs. Those heroes that have heretofore mentally
entertained enmity against such a one as thou, foe of deities
and Daityas, — heroic and valient and unconquerable, have
not been deprived by thee of their lives.* Nor do I see any

• There is a particle a/i, even^ which stands in the way of this sloka fitting
in with the context.— '£t»#n those heroes who have m#ff/fl//>' #/f '— 1< a lame

I046 RlMlrANA.

^ood that may likely accrue to us from the slaying of this
monkey. Let thy vengeance descend on those that have
despatched the monkey. Whether honest or otherwise, this
one hath been commissioned by others. Advocating interest
not his own and identifying himself with another, an envoy
doth not merit the being put to death. O king, if this one
be slain, no other sky-ranger whatever would show himself
unto us. Therefore, O captor of hostile capitals, do not seek
to slay this one. Thou shouldst spend thyself on celestials
with Indra (at their head). On his being killed, another see
I not who, O thou that lovest warfare, can move those
haughty sons of a king to take up arms against thee. And,
O bringer-in of joy unto the heart, it is not proper for thee,
invincible to celestials and Asuras gifted with prowess, high
spirits and intelligence, to disappoint the Nairitas(as to their
-eagerness for encounter). They are devoted to thy good,
and are heroic and intent on thy well-being, born in lines
having high and fiery virtues, and endowed with intelligence,
-—the flower of those bearing arms— ^nd have been main-
tained by thee. Therefore let a portion of the forces, having
received thy order, march to-day, and bring (hither) those
foolish princes. It is meet that thou shouldst display thy
prowess before foes." Thereat, the lord of the night-rangers,
that potent enemy of the celestials and the foremost of
RSLkshasa monarchs, lending free play to his intellect,
accepted the excellent words of his younger brother.

reason why Hanumin, who had wronged Rftvana so outfafeously in overt
acts, should be let off. — T.

SONDA RAKlNDA M. 1047

SECTION Llll.

JjL EARING those words of his, the high-souled ten-necked
>iie spoke unto his brother a speech consonant to season
ind place,— ''Properly hast thou spoken, — to slay a messenger
6 improper. But let him be punished with any chastisement
uive slaying. Certainly the tail is a darling ornament to a
nonkey. Therefore let his tail be set on fire anon ;
ind this having been consumed, let him go away. Then
^ball his best friends and kindred and acquaintances see
lim crest-fallen, with his person deformed." And the lord
>f R&kshasas ordered,-^*'With his tail in flames, let this one
>e taken all round LankSl containing terraces.'' Hearing
lis words, the Rlkshasas, cruel through wrath, cover up his
Hanumln's; tail with worn pieces of cotton cloth. Thereat,
even as fire in a forest increaseth on getting dry fuel, the
mighty monkey grew in dimensions on his tail being wrapped
up. And having soaked (the cloth) in oil, they set fire to
it. Thereat with his soul overpowered with rage and
hatred, and his countenance like the risen sun, he lashed
them with his flaming tail. And those — rangers of the
night — those Rlkshasas— old and young and females — again
bringing that foremost of monkeys, grew exceedingly glad.
i\nd that hero (being bound), entertained a purpose in
fiarmony with the season. ''Albeit bound, the RSlkshasas
:annot forsooth cope with me. Snapping these bonds, I
bhall, darting up, again slaughter these. Although agreeably
to the mandate of their master these wicked-minded ones
lave bound me, yet have they not been able to clear scores
with me. I can slay all these R&kshasas in battle ; but I
suffer this (maltreatment) for not marring the (pure delight)
Rama shall derive from my deed."^ I shall once more range

* This, as interpreted by RAminuya ; but the sense is not satisfactory.

1048 RAMArANA.

around Lanki. Let this be so. At night I could not satis-
factorily examine the fortifications.'^ For certain, by me is
to be beheld Lanki when night hath departed. Let them
bind me anew. The Rikshasas pain me by setting fire to
my tail ; but my mind doth not tire." Then the Rftkshasas,
rejoicing greatly, went off, taking that mighty monkey
endowed with strength, an elephant (in prowess) amon^.
monkeys. And blowing conchs and trumpets, and bruiting
it abroad by various actions,! those Rftkshasas of cruel deeds
took (HanumSLn) about the city (of Lanki). And led by
those Rikshasas, that subduer of enemies, Hanumin, experi-
enced delight, and going about the mighty metropolis of
the Rikshasas, the redoubted monkey surveyed variegated
cars, enclosed court-yards, well-ordered terraces, streets
thronged with edifices, crossings, by-ways, and the interiors
of dwellings. And on terraces and highways the Rikshasas
proclaim the monkey, saying, — ''This is a spy." On
Hanumin's tail being in flames, Rikshasis of frightful eyes
related unto that exalted lady| tidings of this great mishap.
"O Sita, the copper-faced monkey with whom thou hadst
held talk, is being led around with his tail flaminf^.;' Hearing
these cruel words, like unto loss of life, Vaidehi, burning in
grief, approached the Fire. And wishing for the welfare of the
mighty monkey, that large-eyed lady with an intent mind
began to pray unto that bearer of sacrificial offerings, — 'If
I have served my lord, if I bear a character, if I have ascetic
merit, if I have been the wife of one alone, then prove thou
cool unto Hanumin." Thereat, as if communicating the
welfare of the monkey unto that one having eyes like those
of a young deer, the Fire flamed up, — and Hanumin's sire,

How Hanum&n's resistance would have anywise marred RAma*s joy, is not
easy to understand. — T.

* Another meaning is : — Its places inacessible on account of works, -^T.

t Publishing Ilanumin's penalty. — T.

t SUA.— T. I

SUNDARAKANDAM. ' 1049

albeit furnished with fire and a tail, blew ice cold before that
worshipful one, breathing health (unto Hanumin). On his
tail (laming, the monkey reflected, — **This fire is flaming.
Why doth it not then burn me all over ? I see it of exceeding
brightness, yet it paineth me not. (On the contrary), at the
end of my tail it seemeth like a mass of ice. Or this is
clearly due to Rama's power, even like the wonder (that I
witnessed) while bounding over the main — the mountain
under the lord of streams.^ If the Ocean and the intelligent
Main&ka could show such regard for RSLma, what may not
the Fire do (for him ?) Fire doth not burn me for Site's
(absolute) goodness, for Righava's prowess, and for (his)
friendship with my sire." Then the elephantine monkey
again reflected for a while,— ''Why should one like me
suffer one's self to be bound by vile Riikshasas ? Therefore
it is meet that I should, displaying my prowess, avenge (this
wrong)." Thereat that vehement and mighty monkey
snapped his bonds, and furiously springing into the sky, the
terrible monkey uttered a shout. And then the graceful son
of the Wind-god arrived at the gate of the city resembling
a hill, where Rakshas there were none. And after having
attained the magnitude of a mountain,anon that self-controlled
one diminished himself and cast off his bonds. And having
freed himself, the graceful one again became mountain-
like ; and eying around, he saw a bolt standing against the
gate. And that mighty-armed one, the Wind-god's son,
taking up that bolt of burnished iron, again slaughtered the
guards. And having slain the warders, that one of terrific
prowess crowned with a luminous wreath forged from his
flaming tail, and appearing like the sun garlanded with glory,
once again cast his eyes over LankSL.

♦ Mainflika.— T.

132

1050 RlMAVANA.

SECTION LIV

ASTING his eyes on LankSi, the monkey, his wish
attained, increasing his person and bursting with spirits,
considered as to how to give the coup de grace to his
exertions. "What recently is to be done by me here to finish
this business, that may afflict them the more ? I have
ravaged the wood, and slain the choice RSLkshasas, and
destroyed by main force a portion of the army. Now it
remains to demolish the fortifications. On the fortifications
being destroyed, my work shall have its toils crowned with
joy. By undergoing slight labor in this business,! shall have
my pains furnished with fruit. That bearer of sacrificial
offerings* *wbo flameth on my tail,— it is my duty to
propitiate him with these excellent edifices." Thereat that
mighty monkey, with his tail aglow, and resembling a cloud
(luminous)with lightning,began to range before the dwellings
in Lanki. And that monkey with a calm mind, eying (all
round), ranged one house from another, and gardens, and
stately piles. And that one gifted with exceeding vehemence,
and in strength resembling the Wind, bounding up set fire
unto the dwelling of Prahasta. Then HanumSn endowed
with prowess, leaping up, set unto Mahapar9wa*s mansion
fire resembling that at the universal dissolution. And (then)
the mighty monkey darting up, set fire unto Vajradanshtra's ;
and (then) that highly energetic one set fire unto Suka's and
unto the intelligent Sarana's. And the leader of monkey
bands in the same way burnt down Indrajit's mansion ; and
then he burnt the abodes of Sum^li and Jamvumali ; and
Ra^miketu's mansion and Suryyacatru's, and Hraswakarna's,
and the Rakshasa Roma9a's ; and the houses of Yuddhonmattn,
and Matta, and the Rakshasa Dwajagriva, and the calm

♦ Vide ante. --T,

SUNDARIKANDAM. 1051

Vidyujjibhwa, and Hastimukha ; and of Karala, and of Vi9&la,
and of Sonit^ksha ; and Kumbhakarna's mansion, and
Nikumbha's, and the residence of Yajna9atru, and of
Brahma9atru. And leaving alone the dwelling of Vibhishana,
that exceedingly energetic one— foremost of monkeys — by
and by burnt (all the houses there). And in those costly
mansions and dwellings, that famous one, that foremost of
monkeysi burnt all the wealth of those affluent persons.—
Having passed the dwellings of all, that powerful and auspi-
cious one approached the residence of the lord of RSikshasas,
RiLvana. And in that foremost of mansions, adorned with
various gems, resembling Meru or Mandara, graced with
diverse auspicious things, he set unto the same, fire
flaming at the end of his tail. And the heroic HauumSLn
roars, resembling a cloud (appearing) at the end of a Yuga,
And assisted by the wind, that highly powerful and vehen>ent
one (Fire) flaimed up, like fire at the wreck of all, and
the fire attained energy. And the wind spreading the
flaming fire all round those dwellings, those mansions
furnished with golden networks ; and containing pearls and
gems ; enjewelied and magnificent, were shorn of their
splendour. And cracked edifices began to topple down to
the ground, like the mansions of Siddhas falling from the
Armament on the exhaustion of their righteousness. And
there arose a mighty uproar of those R^kshasas, as, bereft
of their good fortune, despairing of preserving their abodes,
they rushed in afl directions, — **Forsooth it is Fire himself
that hath come hither in the form of a monkey." And
females crying with babes on their breasts, suddenly plunged
(into the fire). And some fair ones with hair dishevelled,
and surrounded on all sides with fire, as they fell down from
dwellings, looked lovely like lightning from the welkin.
And he (HanumSLn) saw various kinds of metals, mixed with
diamonds, and coral, and lapises and pearls and silver, run-
ing down in streams from the mansions. And as Fire is not

I OS 2 rAmIfana

cloyed with wood and straw, HanumSLn never at all felt
satiety on slaying those foremost of R&kshasas. And the
Earth could not contain the R&kshasas slain by HanumSln.
And as Rudra had burnt down Tripura, the vehement and
high-souled monkey, Hanum^n, burnt down Lankft. And
rising to the brow of LankSl*s mount,* the fire of terrific
energy kindled by the impetuous HanumSn, spread wide
his tongues. And with the Wind assisting him, the smokless
Fire in the dwellings, with his flames feeding on the bodies
of the RSlkshasas representing sacrificial offerings, spread
his magnitude, touching the horizen — resembling the con-
fiag^ration kindled at the universal dissolution. And possess*
ing the fierce energy of a koti suns, the mighty Fire
completely encompassing the entire LankS, increased (in
volume), riving the mundane Egg with various sounds
resembling thunder-claps. And the Fire of terrific might,
having his flames resembling Ktnguka blossoms, rising up to
the sky, clouds caused by volumes of smoke arising from
extinguished fire, in hue resembling blue lotuses, looked
exceedingly beautiful. ''Either the thunder-bolt-bearing
Indra the Great — chief of celestials, or Yama himself, or
Varuna, or the Wind-god, or the Fire generated by Rudra 's
third eye, or the Sun, or Dhanada, or Soma. This is no
monkey, — this is verily Kdla\ himself. Or is this the
Rakshasa-annihilating Fire of Brahm& himself — the Great-
sire of all, the four-faced Disposer of the world's destinies, —
come hither, wearing the form of a monkey? Or is this
Vishnu^s Energy, inconceivable, unutterable, infinite and sole,
and of surpassing power, — now come hither in its own
illusory nature, assuming a monkey-form ?*' Seeing that city
suddenly consumed, with her souls, dwellings, and trees,
R^kshasas of note, assembled together, thus talked unto each
other. And then LankSi, suddenly consumed with RSkshasas,

* Trikuta on which Lanki rested.— T.
t A name of Yama. — T.

SUNDARAKlNDAM 1053

horses, cars, serpents, crowds of birds, beasts and trees, began
to bewail tumultuously and loud in forlorn (ruise,— ''O
father I O son ! O love ! O friend 1 O lord of my life and
frame I all our religious merit is abolished/' Indulging in
various lamentations, the Rakshas thus created a mighty and
frightful uproar. And with the flames encircling her, and
her foremost heroes fallen, and her warriors destroyed,
Lank&, overcome by the might of HanumSn's wrath, became
as if she had been blighted by an imprecation. Then the
mighty-minded HanumSn beheld the R&kshasas in terror and
trepidation and castdown, and LankSL marked by fire and
bright flames,even as the Self-sprung eyeth the world destroyed
by his rage. And devastating the forest filled with many
excellent trees, slaying many a terrible RSikshasa in conflict,
and burning down the city of LankI filled with picturesque
houses, the monkey, Hanumin, Wind-god's son, stationed
himself there. And destroyin^r many a RSikshasa, felling
many trees in the forest and setting fire to the houses of the
RSkshasas, the high-souled (monkey) became engaged in
thoughts touching RSma. Thereupon all the celestials
praised highly the high-souled, excellent and mighty* son of
the Wind-god, foremost of heroic monkeys, gifted witli the
irelocity of the Wind. And all the celestials^ the foremost
iscetics, the Gandharbas^ the Vidhyidharas^ the Pannagas^
and all other great heroes, attained excess of delight. And
having devastated ihe forest, slain the Rikshasas in conflict
and burnt the grand city of LankSL, the great monkey appear-
ed there. And seated on the variegated top of a splendid and
bigh mansion, the foremost of monkeys,spreading the rays of
bis burning tail,Iooked like unto the sun of many rays. And
baving consumed the city of LankSL, the great monkey
juenched the fire of his tail in the ocean. Thereupon
beholding LankSL burnt down, the celestials along with
[jandharbas, Siddhas, and the great ascetics, were struck
with wonder.

I054 RAM Ar AN A.

SECTION LV.

■•o*-

JDeholding LankSL burnt down and devastated and the
demons terrified,the monkey Hanuman began to reflect. And
worked up with fear and remorse,he reflected,-"What a mighty
iniquity have I perpetrated by burning down Lanica of my own
accord ? Blessed are those high-souled ones who control their
wrath by dint of their own good sense,like unto fire quenched
by water. What iniquity is there which cannot be perpetrated
by the angry ? They can even slay the worshipful and vilify
the pious with harsh words. The an$^ry cannot decide what
should be spoken and what not. There is no vice which
cannot be committed by them, and there is nothing which
cannot be spoken by them. He is the proper person who can
subdue his rising ire by means of forgiveness as a serpent
leaves off his worn skin. O fie on me who am vicious*minded|
shameless and the perpetrator of a mighty iniquity. Not
thinking of SitS, I have slain my master with fire. Forsooth
hath the worshipful Jinaki been burnt, since the whole city of
Lank^ hath been devastated with fire. And she being burnt,
foolishly have I spoilt the work of my master. I have defeated
the great object for which I have laboured so much. In burn-
ing down Lanka, I have not saved Sita. To have burnt down
Lanka is assuredly a trifle, but in my ire I have lost my great
object. Forsooth hath Jinaki been consumed, since I behold
no spot in Lank§ which is not made desolate with fire-
in fact the whole city hath been reduced to ashes. As I have
committed such an injury under the influence of my perverse
understanding, it behoveth me to relinquish my life here. I
shall jump into this flame or into a submarine fire, or I shall
resign my mortal frame to the animals that infest the ocean.
For, living, I shall not be able to face that lord of monkeys,
and how shall I, having spoilt their work utterly, show myself

SUNDARAKlNDAM. 1055

unto those foremost of men ? I have through my culpable
passion furnished an ".illustration of the reckless monkey-
nature, which is well known over the three worlds. Fie on
this activity, born of (the quality of) passion, which is the
source'^ of incompetence and rashness ; since although capable,
I did not protect SitSL. On SitSl having met with destruction,
both of them^ shall cease to exist ; and on their ceasing to
exists Sugriva shall die along with his friends. And hearing
these tidings, how shall the righteous Bharata, attached unto
his brother (R^ma), along with Satrughna, live ? And on
the virtuous Ikshwiiku race being extinct, without doubt, all
the subjects shall be overwhelmed with grief. Therefore,
I of curst luck hath had my harvest of virtue and profit
taken away; and being under the influence of baleful passion,
I am the cause of the destruction of creatures." As he was
reflecting thus, he bethought him of auspicious omens which
he had witnessed since. "Or it may be that one of charming
limbs hath been preserved by her proper energy. The
blessed one may not have met with her end, for fire doth
burn fire. And Fire should not touch the spouse of that
virtuous one of immeasurable energy,— who is protected by
by her own character. And that bearer of sacrificial offerings
hath not burnt me, is owing to Rama's power and the virtue
of Vaidehi. And why should she that is a very goddess unto
the three brothers, Bharata and the others^ and that hath
enchanted the mind of RSLma, meet with destruction ? And
when that everywhere unspent Lord, having burning for
his office, hath not consumed my tail, why shoud he burn the
exalted lady ?" Then HanumHn with wonder again thought
of the sight of the golden mountain under the water.f ''By
virtue of her asceticism, veracity, and devotion unto her lord,
she it is that can consume Fire, but Fire cannot burn her.'^

* R&ma and Lakshmana. — T.

t Rememl>erin2 the incident of his seeinf^ the mountain Mainika throug^h
Slid, Hanumdn was put in mind of Sitik's superhuman power.-— T.

1056 RAMAyaNa.

And as HanumSln was thinking of the magnitude of that
revered lady's religious merit, he heard the converse there
of high-souled Ch&ranas. "Ah ! hard is the feat that
Hanum&n hath forsooth achieved. He hath created a terrific
and fierce conflagration in the abode of the Raksha. The
females of Rakshas accompanied by boys and old folks, are
flying amain ; and in consequence of the hubbub it seems as
if (Lankft) is in lamentation through her mountain-caverns.
Burnt is this city of LankSL with her turrets, walls and gate-
ways ; and we are astonished that jSinaki is not burnt."
These words resembling ambrosia HanumSLn heard (at that
time) ; and his mind was filled with joy. And what through
the auspicious omens that he had witnessed, and what
through the speech of the saints, Hanumin was delighted
(beyond measure). Then the monkey, with his end attained,
knowing that the king's daughter was unhurt, became bent
upon returning after seeing her once again.

SECTION LVI,

JL HEN seeing Janaki seated at the foot of the Sinsapa
tree, (HanumSn) saluting her said, — "By luck it is that I see
thee unhurt.** Then eying him again and again as he was
on the point of departing, SitSL said unto Hanumin in words
informed with affection for her husband, — "If, my child, it
liketh thee, do thou, O stainless one, stay here today in
some retired spot. To-morrow having refreshed thyself, thou
shalt set out. Thy vicinity, O monkey, for a while beguiles
me of slender luck of my measureless grief. Thou wilt go,
O powerful monkey ; but ere thou return, it is, O foremost
of monkeys, doubtful whether I shall live. And, O hero,
the nut seeing thee sJiall try me sorely, who have fallen from

11^"

SUNDARAKANDAM, 1057

one misfortune into a greater one, and who, my mind
distracted, have been exercised by sorrow. And, O hero,
this mighty doubt is (ever) present before me. How shall
that exceedingly powerful one or that host of monkeys or
those two sons of that man of men, albeit backed by mighty
monkeys, cross over' the ocean incapable of being crossed ?
Three beings have the power to bound over the deep ;—
VinatSl's offspring, thou, and the Wind-god. Then in this
business at hand hard to accomplish, what means dost thou,
versed in business, see, whereby the end may be attained ?—
O slayer of hostile heroes, thou alone art quite competent
to perform this task ; and thou shalt attain fame through thy
rising prowess. But if blocking up Lanka with his forces,
that afflictor of enemies, Kakutstha, taketh me (from hence,)
then that shall be worthy of him. — Therefore do thou so
order things that that powerful and high-souled hero
in conflict, may act as becomes himself." Hearing
her resonable, affectionate and pregnant speech, that
hero, Hanumin, answered, — **0 noble lady, that lord and
foremost of monkeys, Sugriva gifted with strength, is
determined on thy behalf. And that master of monkeys,
Sugriva, O Vaidehi, surrounded by thousands and Kotis
of monkeys, shall speedily come here (for the purpose).
And those best of men, those heroes, R3ma and Lakshmana,
coming together, shall afflict Lanka with their arrows. And
slaughtering the Rakshasa with his own adherents, Raghu's
son, O exceedingly fair one, shall ere long take thee back to
his palace. — O gentle damsel.do thou console thyself. Remain,
expecting the hour. Soon shalt Lliousee Ravana slain in battle
by R§ma. On the lord of Rakshasas being slain along with
his sons, councilors, and friends, thou shalt meet with Rama
as Rohini meeteth with the Moon. At once shall Kakutstha
come, 'accompanied by the foremost of monkeys, — who,
conquering (Ravana) in conflict, shall remove thy grief."
Having thus consoled Videha's daughter, Hanum^n, son unto

1058 RkAIkYANA.

the Wind-god, setting his heart upon departure, saluted
Vaidehi. And having soothed Vaidehi, and displayed his
surpassing strength, having rendered the* city disconsolate,
and baffled Rivana, exhibited his terrific might, and saluted
Vaidehi, HanumlLn became bent upon returning, crossing over
the mid-sea. Then that repressor of foes, the powerful
monkeyi anxious to see his master, ascended Aristha, fore-
most of mountains ; (as if covered) with a sheet consisting
of blue woods of tall padmakas^ and clouds lying in the
interspace between peaks,-— and displayed from love by the
glad light of the Sun ; appearing to be beholding with the
minerals scattered about serving for its eyes ; seeming to be
reciting aloud in consequence of the solemn sound of waters,
to be carolling clearly through its many fountains, and to stay
with uplifted arms by means of devadarus \ appearing to be
crying distressfully on account of cascades sounding all round ;
seeming to be trembling in consequence of verdant autumnal
woods waving, and to be piping on account of kichakas
vocal through the breeze ; eloquent ; with the foremost
poisonous serpents appearing to be sighing forth ire ;
appearing to be sunk in contemplation on account of caverns
covered with snow and looking solemn in consequence ;
as if moving about by means of hills looking like
its cloud-legs ; seeming to yawn in the sky with peaks
towering heavenwards, — scattered with summits, and graced
with innumerable caves j surrounded with sdlas^ palms,
tamdlas^ Karnas, and bamboos ; graced with spreading and
flowering underwoods ; abounding in various beasts, and
decked with mineral streams, — containing numerous rills, —
thronged with collections of crags \ frequented by Maharshis,
and Yakshas, and Gandharbas and Kinnaras and serpents ;
impracticable in consequence of plants and trees ; with
caverns harbouring lions ; ' filled with tigers and other
(ferocious beasts) j and furnished with trees having tasteful
fruits and roots. And the Wind-god's offspring— foremost of

SUNDARAKANDAM, 1059

nonkeys-^ascended that mountain. And on the lovely level
of that mountaini the crags, crushed with sounds under the
tread of that one burning to behold R^ma and wrought up
with excess of joy, were scattered all round. And ascending
that lordly hill, the mighty monkey magnified himself,
desirous of going from the southern to the northern shore
of the salt waters. And getting to the top of the mountain,
Uiat hero, son unto the Wind-god, cast his eyes upon the
dreadful main inhabited by terrible snakes. And that
foremost of monkeys, offspring of the Wind-god,* (mentally)
went from the south to the north, as if it were the air. And
then that best of mountains, sore pressed by the monkey,
began to emit cries,and with various creatures (on it), entered
underneath the Earth, with its peaks tottering and its trees
toppling. And borne down by the violence of his thighs,
trees bearing flowers, being shattered, as if destroyed by
Sakra's weapon, fell to the ground. And the dreadful yells
of mighty lions in pain, inhabiting caves, entered the ear,
piercing the heavens. And VidySdharis with their attires
falling off and their ornaments disordered, suddenly rose
from the mountaint unto the sky. And exceedingly powerful
and mighty snakes of virulent venom, — having flaming
tongues, with their hoods and necks tortured, began to roll
(on the earth). And Kinnars and serpents, Gandharbas,
Yakshas and VidySldharas, forsaking that foremost of
mountains in affliction, took refuge in the sky. And that
graceful mountain also, tormented by that powerful one,
entered the nether regions with its tall trees and summits.
And that mountain, which (heretofore) had measured ten
yoyanas in area and thirty in height, became level with the
earth. And desirous of crossing over the salt waters, with

* Mdruta — this term is used twice in this sloka^ once for HanumcLn, and
next for the Wind-god. One of these is left out on the score of redun-
dency. — T.

t Dharanidkardt. — ad.— from the holder of the Earth, the latter beiii|^
supposed to rest on a mountain. — T.

lo6o RAMAFANA.

their shores menaced by sounding (waves), the monkey rose
to the sky.

SECTION LVII.

^AuND springing up like unto a winged hill, that one
endowed with energy, the untiring HanumSn, began to swim
on the ocean of the firmament having for its blown lotuses and
lilies, snakes, Yakshas and Gandharbas ; with the Moon for
its comely Kumuda ;* and with the Sun for its Kdrandavas\
charming to behold ; having Tishya and Sravana for its
swans, clouds for its mosses and grass, Punarvasu for its
mighty fish, the red-bodied one t for its huge aquatic animal,
AirSLvata for its spacious island, SwSLti for its sportive
swan, breezes for its billows, and moonlight for its cool
waters. And as if swallowing up the welkin and touching
the lord of stars, abolishing the sky decorated with stars and
the solar disc, and cleaving the clouds, the unfatigued
Hanuman began to cross over that sea. And (on all sides)
mighty masses of clouds, sable, crimson, blue, Mangis-
tha-hued, and green-red, looked exceedingly beautiful. And
now entering into clouds and now imerging from them, he,
again and again becoming visible and lost to sight, looked
like the Moon. And that one clad in white raiment, coursing
through diverse clouds, the hero's body was (alternately)
visible and invisible, like unto the Moon in the sky. And
the Wind-god's son went on in the sky, scattering the clouds
and descending again and again. And sending up mighty
sounds, that exceedingly energetic one gifted with a power-
ful voice like that of the clouds, having slain the foremost
Rakshasas and rendered his name famous, having filled the

♦ Lily.— T.
t BhAma.-T.

SUNDARAKlNDAM. lobi

city with lamentations and afflicted Ravana, having distressed
the mighty heroes and paid obeisance unto Vaidehi, — again
held his course along the mid-ocean. And touching
MainSLka — foremost of mountains — that one endowed with
prowess proceeded amain like an iron dart let go from a
string. And from a distance approaching and beholding that
mighty mountain, Mahendra, resembling clouds, that
redoubted monkey began to roar. And having a lusty voice
resembling that of clouds, that monkey, roaring, filled all
quarters with his lofty shouts. And arriving at that place,
he, eager to behold his friends, emitted tremendous roars,
and began to flourish his tail. And as he went on roaring
in the path ranged by Suparna, the firmament with the solar
disc seemed to be rent by his shouts. And (it came to
pass that) those powerful and heroic (monkeys) that had
formerly stationed themselves on the northern shore of the
ocean, anxious to see the Wind-god*s offspring, heard the
sounds proceeding from Hanum^n's vehement speed, resem-
bling the rumbling of clouds agitated by the winds. And
all those rangers of woods, (staying) dispirited, heard the
roars of that foremost of monkeys, like unto the roaring of
rain-pouring clouds. And hearing those sounds as he kept
crying, those monkeys (sitting) around, eager to see their
friend, became extremely anxious. And that best of
monkeys, Jambavin, with a joyful heart addressing all the
monkeys, said,— "Hanuman hath succeeded completely.
There is no doubt about this. If he were unsuccessful, he
would not utter shouts as these." And hearing the sounds
produced by the violent movements of the arms of that high-
souled (hero), as well as the shouts of that magnanimous one,
the monkeys, filled with delight, leapt up on all sides. And
they, eager to have a sight of Hanuman, joyfully went from
mountain-top to mountain-top and from peak on to peak.
And influenced by joy, the monkeys remained holding a
bough at the top of a tree, and waving their clean

io62 RXmIYANA

apparels. And as the wind roareth in a cavern, roared the
powerful HanumSln, son unto the Wind-god. And seeing
that mighty monkey resembling a mass of clouds, alighting,
those monkeys stood joining their hands. And then the
vehement monkey resembling a hill, having leapt up from
that mountain, alighted on the top of that (other) mountain"^
filled with trees. And bursting with delight, (Hanuman)
dropped near a fountain, like unto a hill whose wings have
been clipped. Then with joyful hearts, all the principal
monkeys stood encircling the high-souled HanumSin. And
surrounding him, they experienced excess of delight, and
drew near the newcomer with joyful faces. And bring-
ing fruits and roots, the monkeys honored that chief of
monkeys, the offsprin^f of the Wind-god. And some, filled
with delight, sent shouts, and some raised ululations ; and
the foremost monkeys fetched branches of trees.f And that
mighty monkey, Hanuman, saluted his superiors and the ac^ed,
headed by jSLmbavan ; as well as Prince Angada. And
honored by the monkeys, as he very well deserved to be,
and gratified by them, (he) briefly said — **Seen have I the
exalted lady." And taking Vali's son by the hand, he sat
him down in a charming tract of the woodland belonging
to the mountain Mahendra. — Then asked (by them),
HanumSn addressed those foremost monkeys, — '*I have seen
Janaka's daughter in the A^oka woods. That blameless
one is guarded by dreadful Rakshasis. The girl weareth a
single braid of hair, and burneth to attain a sight of RSLma.
She is faint in consequence of fasting, and dirty, weareth
matted locks and is emaciated." Hearing the words, **I
have seen" from the Wind-god's offspring resembling
ambrosia, all the monkeys were filled with rejoicing. And
thereupon, some of mighty ones roared, and some shouted,
aid some blustered, and some raised ululations, and others

♦ Mahendra.— T.

t To serve for a seat for Hanumin.— T.

SUNDARAKlNDAM. 1063

stormed (in return). And some elephantine monkeys in joy
upraised their tails, and some lashed with their long and
broad tails. And others, transported with joy, bounding up
to the mountain-summit, touched that foremost of monkeys,
the handsome HanumSln. And when Hanum&n had ended,
Angada said these excellent words in the midst of the heroic
monkeys,- — "There is none, O monkey, that is like unto
thee in strength and prowess. As having bounded over the
spacious main, thou hast come back (here), thou art, O
excellent monkey, the only giver of our lives. By thy
grace it is that, our end attained, we shall meet with
RSlghava. Oh for thy fidelity ! Oh for thy prowess t Oh
for thy fortitude ! By luck hast thou seen that exalted
one, the illustrious wife of Riima, by luck it is that Kakutstha
shall forego his sorrow in iconsequence of separation from
SitSL." Then surrounding Angada^HanumSln, and J^mbavSln,
the monkeys, exceedingly rejoiced, sat down upon a spacious
stone. And having sat them down on the spacious rock^
the monkeys became eager to hear of the bounding of the
main and of (Hanum^n's) seeing Lanka, SitSL and R^vana. And
they stood with joined hands, looking wistfully into Hanum^n's
face. And the graceful Angada was there, surrounded by
many monkeys, and honored by them, even as the lord of
celestials is honored in heaven by the celetials. When the
famous and renowned Hanuman, and Angada with bracelets
on his arms, had sat down,the elevated and mighty mountain-
summit was illuminated with splendour.

io64 RlMlFANA.

SECTION LViil.

HEN on the summit of the mountain, Mahendra^ those
powerful monkeys, headed by Hanum§,n, rejoiced exceedingly.
And when the high-souled delighted monkeys had sat them
down, Jamvaban, glad at heart, asked that offspring of the
Wind, the happy HanumSn, all about his proceeding : "How
hast thou seen the worshipful one? How doth she fare
there ? And how doth the cruel Ten-necked one bear him-
self towards her ? Do thou truthfully relate all this unto us,
O mighty monkey. How couldst thou track the exalted
lady ^ And what did she say in reply (to thy querries)?
Having learnt the real state of things, we shall decide what
is to be done. And do thou also tell us what we, repairing
there, shall unfold unto that one of controled self and what
we shall keep to ourselves." Thus directed by him, that
one (Hanuman) with his down standing on end, bowing down
the head unto that revered one, Sit5, replied, — "In your
sight, I bounded up with a concentrated mind^ eager to reach
the southern shore of the ocean. As I voyaged on, a great
impediment occurred in the way. I saw a goodly and noble
golden peak, standing, obstructing my way. I found the
mountain as an obstacle to my course. Nearing the grand
and splendid golden mount, I thought within myself, — 'I will
rive this.* And the sun-like summit of that mighty mountain,
Prahasta, was cleft in a thousand fragments by my tail.
Seeing his own condition, that mighty mountain, gladdening
my heart, addressed me with the sweet speech, — *0 son,
know me for thy uncle. I am a friend unto the Wind,—
famed as Mainaka, and living in the great deep. Formerly
all the foremost mountains were furnished with wings. And
(once on a time) they began to range the earth at will,
committing devastations. Hearing of the conduct of the

SVNDARAKKnDAM, io6s

mountains, that possessor of the six kinds of riches, Indra
the Great, the swayer of Paka, with his thunderbolt cut off
by thousands the pinions of the mountains. At that time,
my son, I, having been delivered by thy sire, the high-souled
Wind-god, was cast into the abode of Varuna. O repressor
of foes, I shall have to assist RSighava. Rima is the fore*
most of the righteous, and possessed of prowess like that of
Mahendra himself.' Having heard this from the magnani-
mous MainSLka, I apprised the mountain of my mission, and
my thoughts held their course. Having given me his per-
mission, the magnanimous Mainaka, the mountain that had
put on the form of a man, vanished, and, assuming his
mountain-form, went into the vast sea. And I, summoning
my best celerity, began to journey the remainder of my way.
And having swiftly proceeded long in the path, I saw the
exalted lady, Surast, mother of the serpents. And that
worshipful one stationed in the sea, said, — ^By the celestials
hast thou, O best of monkeys, been assigned as my food.
Therefore shall I eat thee up. Thou hast been ordained as
mine by the gods.' Thus addressed by SurasS, I, remaining
in humble guise with joined hands, and with my countenance
turned pale, I uttered these words, — 'Rama, the graceful
son of Da9aratha, repressor of foes — hath entered the woods
of Dandaka, in company with his brother Lakshamana and
Sita. His wife Sita hath been carried off by the wicked
Ravana. At Raima's mandate I go to her as an envoy. In
this business, thou, O chaste one, shouldst help RSlma. Or
having seen Mithili's daughter, as well as Rama of untiring
deeds, I shall come to thy mouth, — this I promise unto thee
truly.' Thus accosted by me, SurasS, wearing forms at her
will, said, — 'None is able to escape me. Even this is the
boon that I have received.' Having been thus addressed
by Surasa, I attained the magnitude of ten yoyanas ; and then
anon I dilated to another ten. But she opened her mouth
wider than my magnitude. Seeing her stretched moutbi I

»34

loW RAMKrkNA,

again diminished myself, and on the instant again reduced
myself to the measure of a thumb. And speedily entering her
mouth, I immediately came out. Then the exalted Surasa
again spoke unto me in her native shape, — *Thy end having
been attained, go, O mild one, O foremost of monkeys,
according to thy pleasure. Bring about the meeting of
Vaidehi with the high-souled Raghava. Be thou blessed, O
mighty-armed one. I am well pleased with thee, O monkey.'
Then I was praised by all beings, with, — 'Excellent !'
'Excellent I' Then like unto Garura I again sprang up into
the air. But now my shadow was overtaken by somebody,
though I saw no one. And my velocity being deprived, I
looked at the ten cardinal points ; but I found there naught
which could deprive me of my speed. Then I thought,—
'What is this obstacle that hath suddenly arisen in respect
of my course? No form find I here?' And as I stood
aggrieved, my glance fell downwards. Then I saw there a
dreadful RSikshasi supine on the flood. And laughing
(scornfully), that grim one said these inauspicious words
unto me, who was inert, although undaunted, — **Whither
art thou bound, O thou of a gigantic body ? Desired by
me, who am hungry, do thou becoming my food, gratify this
body deprived of diet for a long time.' Saying, *Well,' I
accepted her speech, increasing my body at will more
than the capacity of her mouth ; and her huge and
dreadful mouth extended wide to eat me up. She did not
understand me,* nor that I had altered my shape. Then in
the twinkling of an eye contracting my vasty shape, I,
extracting her heart, darted into the sky. Thereat, throwing
about her arms, that terrific one dropped into the salt waters.
On that chaste one, resembling a hill, having her heart torn,
I heard the meek speech of magnanimous persons, who had
come there of themselves, — 'This dreadful Rikshasi,
Sinhika, hath been swiftly slain by HanumSn.' Having

^ Understsind that I was able to ftssiime any shape at pleasure.— T.

SUNDAR.iKlNDAM. 1067

slain her, I againi remembering the delay that had occurred
touching my work, set out on the great road, and at length
saw the southern shore of the sea, covered with mountains ;
where is situated the city of Lanki. On the sun having set,
I entered the city of the RSlkshasas— their home — unnoticed
by the RSLk«hasas of terrific vigor. I had entered in when a
certain female casting forth violent laughter, and wearing
the splendour of clouds at the end of a Kalpa, presented
herself before me. And striking with my left clenched fist
that exceedingly dreadful (form), having flames for her hair,
who had sought to take my life, — and vanquishing her (thus),
I entered (Lanki) at dusk. Then that one affrighted
addressed me, saying, — 'I, O hero, am, the city of LankS.
Vanquished have I been by thy prowess. Thou shalt
everywhere conquer all the Rikshasas'. There I wandered
all the night (seeking for Janaka's daughter) and (at
length) entered Ravana*s inner apartment ; but that one
of a Diity waist I found not. And not finding Siti in
R&vana's abode, I was cast in a sea of sorrow : nor found I
how to cross over it. And as I was sorrowing, I saw a
mansion with a charming grove encircled by a wall of
excellent gold. And leaping over the wall, I saw a grove
rife with trees ; and (at last) saw in the midst of an agoka
woodf a great Singapd. And ascending the tree, I saw a golden
tract of plantains ; and hard by from the Stngapd tree I
espied that transcendentally beautiful one, dark-blue, having
eyes resembling lotus-petals, with her face faded in conse-
quence of fasting, clad in the same single piece of cloth, her
hair covered with dust, — her limbs emaciated by the heat
of sorrow and grief, — Sita, ever engaged in the welfare of
her lord ; surrounded by cruel and deformed RSkshasis
living upon blood and flesh, — like unto deer environed by
tigresses. And I managed too swiftly to present myself
before that one, menaced momentarily in the midst of the
R^kshasis, wearing a single braid of hair; woe-begone;

io68 RAHflFANA.

ever thinking of her lord ; her limbs discolored by lying
down on the ground, like unto a lotus on the approach of
winter»^having eyes resembling those of a young deer, who
had turned her face away from all the enjoyments offered
by RSvana, and who had resolved to put a period to her
existence. Seeing that lady the illustrious wife of RSima in
that condition, I seeing her remained even on that Singapd
tree. Then I heard in Ravana's mansion loud and solemn
sounds mixed with the tinklings of zones and bangles. There-
at exceedingly agitated, I changed my proper shape ; and
remained like a bird in a dark part of the Singapd tree. Then
the wives of RSlvana along with R^vana himself of
exceeding strength came to that place where SitS was. And
seeing the lord of RStkshasas the exceedingly beauteous
Sita contracted her thighs and covered her full breasts with
her arms. And seeing Sita flurried and extremely excited
and. casting about her gladness up and down, not finding any
relief and trembling forlorn, the Ten-necked one said unto
her undergoing extreme anguish, — "Without saying any-
thing, I fall down (here). O fair one, do thou regard n>e.
If, O haughty one, thou do not honor me from pride of heart,
I shall, O Sita, two months hence, see thy blood." Hearing
these words of the wicked Ravana, SitS, growing exceeding
wroth, spoke these excellent words, — *'0 worst of Rakshasas,
having used improper speech towards the wife of Rima of
measureless prowess, and the daughter-in-law of Da^aratha,
lord of the Ikshwaku line, why hast thou not thy tongue
fallen off ? Fie upon the prowess of thee that, O wretch,
hast carried me off while my husband was away ; and not
being seen of that high-souled one. Thou art never like
RUma, — thou art not even fit to be his slave. Raghava is
invincible, truthful, heroic and (even) hungering for warfare.''
Thus addressed in harsh speech by Janaki, the Ten-necked
one flamed up in wrath, like Fire in a funeral pyre. And
with his wicked eyes whirling in rage, he raised the clenched

SUNDARtKlNDAM. 1069

fist of his right hand to slay MHhilSL's daughter ; but then
the females set up a cry of "Oh** and "Alas." And rising
up in the midst of the females, the wife of the wicked-
minded one, the excellent one, named Maudodari, prevented
him. And she spoke soft words unto him influenced by
lust. — "O thou that resemblest Indra the Great in prowess.
Do thou to-day sport with me. jSnaki is not superior to me.
And, O lord, do thou sport with the daughters of celestials
and Gandharbas, and with the daughters themselves of
Yakshas. What wilt thou do with SitS ?" Then that
exceedingly powerful ranger of the night was speedily raised
up and taken (back) to his residence. On the Ten-necked
one having departed, the Rakshasis of fearful faces
fell to railing at SitSi in cruel and rough words, — But
Janaki heeded their speech as a straw ; and their fury was
lost upon Sits. Desisting from their unavailing railing, the
flesh-feasting Rikshasis imparted unto Ravana the mighty
intent of SitSL. Then, .they all failing in their hope and
deprived of energy, and tired, came under the sway of sleep.
And on their sleeping, SitSL intent on the welfare of her lord,
lamenting piteously, in forlorn guise, and striken with
extreme sorrow, mourned profusely. Then sitting up in their
midst, TrijatSL spoke, — '*Do ye without delay fall to your own
selves ; but never (eat up) the dark-eyed SitS, the chaste
daughter unto Janaka and the daughter-in-law of Da9aratha.
In truth 1 have seen a dismal dream capable of making one's
hair stand on end ; (presaging) destruction unto RSLkshasas
and victory unto the husband of this one. For protecting
us, Rakshasis from Raghava, let us solicit Vaidehi. Even
this is relished by me. If we relate such a dream unto the
aggrieved one, she, being freed from her diverse woes, shall
attain the height of joy. Propitiated by our bowing down,
Janaka's daughter, Maithili, shall rescue the RSLkshasis from
a mighty fear." Thereat, that bashful maiden, rejoiced at
the prospect of her husband's victory, said, — *If all this prove

1070 HAMAyANA.

true, then for certain, (ye shall) meet with succour at my *
hands. Witnessing such a hard condition of Sit5 I began
to reflect ; nor did my my mind attain ease or freedom from
thought. And I cast about for finding means of addressing
Janaki. And I began by extolling the Ikshw^ku race.
Hearing the words that I uttered, embellished with
descriptions of the virtues of RSjarshis, that exalted lady
replied with her eyes covered with tears. "Who art thou ?
And how hast thou, O foremost of monkeys, found thy way
here ? And what is thy delight in RSma ?' This it behovetb
thee to relate unto me." Hearing her speech, I too said,—
*0 revered one, thy husband, Rlma, hath found a help-
mate in a one endowed with terrific strength, named Sugriva
^redoubtable, the highly powerful lord of the monkeys.
Do thou know me as Hanum^n his servant, despatched here
by thy spouse — RSima of unwearied actions. O famed damsel,
that highly effulgent son of Da9aratha — the foremost of men,
hath sent as a token this ring. I desire to know, O worshipful
dame, what behest of thine may I obey now. Shall I carry thee
to R^ma and Lakshmana on the northern shore of the Ocean ?"
Hearing this and revolving within herself SitS, Janaka's
daughter, replied — '^Discomfitting R5vana,may RSighava him-
self carry me hence.' And bowing my head unto that worship-
ful and blameless dame, I wanted of her a token as might
conduce to RSghava's pleasure. Whereto replied SitS — *0 thou
of mighty-arms do thou take this exellent jewel for which thou
shalt be highly regarded by RSma'. Having said this that best
of fair ones gave me the'excellent jewel, and wrought up
with anxiety, related unto me the story of crow (for RSLma's
information). Thereupon bent on returning here, I, with
a fixed mind, circumambulated and bowed unto that worship-
ful dame. And revolving within herself she again replied —
^Hanuman, do thou relate this unto RSLghava in such a wise
that the heroes Rama and Lakshmana, along with Sugriva
might instantly come here. Or else there remain two

SUNDARAKANDAM. 1071

months more of my life. RSghava shall not see me and I
shall quit my life like one having'^no liusband. Hearing those
piteous accents I was worked up with ire and at once resolved
upon destroying the city of Lanka. Thereupon my body
increased like unto a mountain and desirous of entering into
conflict I began to lay waste the forest. The whole forest
was devastated — the birds and deer strayed away in fear and
the R^kshasees, having terrible faces, awaking, beheld all
that. And beholding me in the forest, they all, gathering,
instantly conveyed the message unto Ravana. O King. O
thou of mighty prowess, this thy forest and castle has been
broken down by the vicious-souled monkey not knowing thy
strength. O King, he has been impelled by his vicious
sense, to do thy mischief. Do thou order for his head so
that he might not return. Hearing this the lord of the
RSLkshasas despatched a chosen band of demons named
Kinkaras.* I despatched with my mace in no time eighty
thousand of them no sooner than they entered the forest
with darts and maces. And the few, who were saved,
proceeded very quickly unto Ravana and related unto him
the destruction of the soldiers by me. Thereupon I thought
of destroying the Chaitya^ palace and destroyed with the
pillar all the Riikshasas stationed there. Excited with wrath
I destroyed that palace; the best in the whole city of Lank§.
Thereupon (RSLvana) despatched Jambhumdli, the son of
Prahasta, With my fierce mace I destroyed that mighty
Rakshasa, versed in the art of war, along with his retinue and
surrounded by a band of terrible and grim-visaged demons.
Hearing this, RJLvana, the lord of RSlkshasas sent the highly
powerful sons of the ministers followed by a regiment of
infantry. But I despatched them to the abode of Death by
means of my dart. And hearing of the destruction in battle

* Literally it means servants — here it means his own personal attendants
who were brave and heroic.

t A place of sacrifice or religious worship. — T.

ib72 RlMlFANA.

of the ministers' sons of feeble prowess RSvana sent five
heroic commanders. But I slew all of them along with
their hosts. Thereupon the Ten necked demon sent his
highly powerful son Aksha in the battle followed by a
number of RSkshasas. No sooner the princely son of
Mandodarii versed in the art of war, rose high up in the
welkin than I got hold of his legs and whirling him for
hundred times ground him to the dust. And hearing of the
discomfiture of Aksha, RSivana, exercised with ire, sent his
second son, the highly powerful Indrajit incapable of being
repressed in battle. And discomfitting that best of
RSLkshasas with his host I attained to an excess of delight.
That hero of great prowess and mighty-arms with a number
of other proud heroes was despatched by RSLvana in great
confidence. And beholding my unbearable prowess and
his own soldiers slain, speedily he went away fettering me
with his Brahma weapon. Thereat the other Rakshasas
bound me up with a rope and carried me to RSivana. And
thereupon I was welcomed by the vicious-souled RSLvana
and was asked why I did come to Lanka and slay the
RSikshasas. Whereto I replied, — "I have done all this for
Sita. To behold her I have come here, O hero. I am the
monkey Hanuman, the own begotten son of Maruta. Do
thou know me as Rama's ambassador and the minister of
Sugriva. And on Raima's embassy have I come here before
thee. Do thou hear of my mission — 1 do relate unto thee,

0 lord of Rakshasas, the message which the monkey chief
hath commanded me to communicate unto thee. O great hero,
Sugriva hath asked of thy welfare and hath desired me to
communicate unto thee these well meaning words, conducing
to the acquirement of piety, wealth and desires. *While I
lived on the mount Rishyamuka covered with huge trees

1 made friends with RSLghava dreadful in conflict. He hath
spoken to me, O king, 'My spouse hath been taken away by
a Rakshasa. It behoveth thee to promise me thy help in this.'

SiNDA RAKIJMDaM. 1073

And in the presence of fire, Rama, along with Lakshmanaj
contracted friendship with me who had been deprived of his
kingdom by VSli. And he hath made me lord over all the
monkeys after slaying Vali in conflict with a single shaft.
It therefore behoveth us to assist him by all means. And
by virtue of this contract I have despatched Hanum^n unto
thee as an envoy. Do thou therefore speedily bring back
SitSl and return her unto Raghava before the heroic monkeys
discomfit thee. Who knoweth not the prowess of the
monkeys who in the days of yore used to visit the celestials
invited ?' With these words the king of the monkeys hath
despatched me unto thee. And thereupon he eyed me as if
burning me with the looks of his angry eyes. And the
vicious-souled demon — RSvana, of terrible deeds, ordered
for my destruction, not knowing my prowess. Thereupon
Bivishana, the high-souled brother of that lord of the
Rllkshasas interceded on my behalf in the following strain—
*0 thou foremost of the Rakshasas, do thou alter thy
resolution. The way, thou art following, is beyond the pale
of royal policy. The destruction of an envoy is not
sanctioned by the royal morality, O Rakshasa. They
communicate simply the mandate of their masters. O thou
of incomparable prowess, there is no sanction for the destruc-
tion of a messenger albeit he perpetrateth a mighty iniquity.
Sometimes they have however been disfigured." Being thus
accosted by Bivishana, Ravana ordered all the demons, say-
ing *'Burn down this monkey's tail.' Hearing his mandate,
the Rakshasas, of well-protected armour and terrible prowess,
enveloped my tail with the fibres of cotton, silk and jute.
And then striking me with their clenched fists they put fire
to my tail. Although bound and fettered with many ropes
I did not feel the least anguish for I was very much anxious
to behold the city during the day. And thereupon fettering
me and putting fire to my tail and announcing me in the public
streets those heroic Rakshasas got at the city gate. And

«35

1074* R A 31k} Ana: '

• • • ■

thereupon (Contracting again my huge person and relieving
mykelf of the fetters I stood again in my pristine state.
And taking up iron darts I slew all the RSllcshasas there.
And leaping over with great velocity the city ^ gate, I/"with
my burning tail, burnt down the wholte city from the palace
to its outer gate iike unto the fire of dissolution devastating
the entire Creiation. And I was ribt the least flurried "at it.
"Forsooth hath jSnaki been destroyed — for behold I nothing
in LankS which hath not been bufnt down— indeed the
whole city hath been reduced to ashes. For certain have I
burnt dowti Sita while burning the city LankSt — and I have
thus baffled the great work of RSlma.' While I was reflecting
thus, being overwhelmed with grief, I heard the auspicious
accents of the Charanas, exciting my wonder, ^^naki hatlr
not been burnt down.' Hearing those wonderful words' I
regained my sense. I was then convinced by an auspicious
sign that Jinaki "^ was' tiot burnt down, for I was not
reduced to ashes albeit my tail was burning^. My heart was
excited with joy and the wind spread its delltidus fragrance.
Aitd by virtue of those manifest omens, by my confidence in
the prowess of R2Lma,'and Sil5, and the voice of ascetics, I
was greately delighted at heart. And beholding Vaidehi again,
I left her. And thereupon ascending the mount Aristha I
began to leap, desirous of beholding yoCi. And following
the track of the Wind, the son, the Moofi, GiCndharbas,
and Siddhas I have beheld you all. By virtue of Rama's
grace and your prowess I have satisfied the charge of
Suorfiva. I have thus related unto you, what I hatT
performed in Lanka, and it now remains with you to fulfill
the rest." • *' - .

SUN DA R A KlND A M. 1 075

SECTION LIX.

XjLavINQ related all, Hanuman, the Wind-god's son
begar^ again» saying — '^Fruitful is Raghava's endeavour and
Sugriva's energy — for greatly pleased have I been with
SitSl's conduct. O heroic monkeys, Sita hath been keeping
the life of a highly chaste damsel. She can maintain the
animated creation by virtue of her asceticism and burn it
with her . ire. Ravana, the lord of the Rakshasas is also
highly advanced in asceticism by virtue whereof he hath
not been ruined albeit he hath touched SitSL's person. Even
the flame of fire cannot do, although touched by the hands,
what Janaka's daughter can bring about by her ire. I have
related unto you what had happened. It now behoveth us
to behold Vaidehi along with those two sons of a king, after
cammanding all the monkeys headed by Jambavan and
others. I am alone capable of destroying the city of Lank§
along with the RSikshasas and their lord — Ravana. What
more can I achieve if I am accompanied by the heroic
monkeys like ye, powerful, having control over their own
minds-, well-armed, able and desirous of winning victory !
I shall slay RSLvana in conflict along with his sons, brothers
army and retinue. I shall destroy all the RiLkshasas and
baffle all the weapons of Indrajit conferred on him by
Brahma, Rudra, Wind and Varuna albeit they are invisible
in battle. Without your permission my prowess hath been
brought to a stand still. Hills and mountains, uprooted and
discharged by me continually, can destroy even the celestials,
what of those night-rangers ? Even if the ocean overfloweth
its banks, the Mount MSLndara moveth off its place, the
enemy's host cannot frighten Jambavan in conflict. And
specially the heroic monkey, VSlli's son, is alone capable of
destroying the whole host of the Rakshasas. Even the

10/6 RAmAVaNA,

mount Mandara is weakened by the velocity of the thighs
of the high-souled monkey Neela — what of the Rakshasas
in conflict ? What hero is there amongst the celestialsi
Asuras, Yakshas, Gandharbas, serpents and birds who can
equal Manida or Divida in battle ? I do not find any
one who can oppose in the battle field the two best
monkeys, the sons of Asvi gifted with great velocity. By
me alone hath the city LankSl been devastated burnt
down and reduced to ashes. And I had announced in
the public streets there — *'May victory crown the highly
powerful Ram and Lakshmana, and may the king Sugriva
advance in prosperity being protected by RSighava. I am the
servant of the king of Ko^ola, the own begotten son of the
Wind-God and my name is Hanuman. I have announced thus
everywhere. (And I beheld there) in the Asoka forest of the
vicious-souled Ravana, at the foot of a Singshapa tree, the
chaste Sita waiting very poorly. She was encircled by the
Rakshasees, worn out with grief and anxiety and was like
unto the rays of the Moon shorn of their brilliance being
enveloped with clouds. And Vaidehi, having a beautiful
waist and devoted unto her husband, did not care for Ravana
proud of his prowess and was accordingly confined by him.
And that graceful daughter of the king of Videha was by
all means devoted unto her lord and had all her thoughts
centered in him like unto Poulomi* devoted unto her lord
Purandara. And 1 saw her in that garden, wearing a single
piece of cloth soiled with dirt, surrounded by the Rakshasees
and remonstrated with now and then by those ugly
demons. Having a single braid of hair, poorly, engaged in
thoughts touching her lord, she was lying on the earth
shorn of all grace like unto a lotus on the appearance of
the winter. She had not the least attachment for Ravana
and was resolved upon putting an end to her existence.

* The wife of Indra the lord of the celestials who was confined by the king
Nahusa. — T.

SUNDARAKANDAM. 1077

And somehow creating her confidence I addressed that
damisel having the eyes of a fawn and related unto her the
whole story. And hearing of the friendship between Rama
and Sugriva she attained to an excess of delight. She is well-
behaved and devoted unto her lord par excellence and blessed
is the high-souled and ten-necked demon that she hath not
destroyed him (yet). And Rama shall become an instrument
only in bringing about his destruction. She hath really been
greatly reduced and worn out by the separation of her lord.
Her person hath been shattered like unto learning waning
by its prosecution on the first day of a lunar fortnight.
Thus liveth there the great SitS worn out with grief. Do
ye now perform what you think proper."

SECTION LX.

JlLearing his words, Vaii's son Angada spoke, saying,—
"These two monkeys, the sons of Asvi, are very powerful
and gifted with great velocity and are specially proud in
consequence of the boon conferred on them by the Great
Grand-father. Formerly to honor Asvi the Frand-father, of
all the worlds, made these two monkeys incapable of being
slain by any. And crushing the mighty host of the celestials,
these two heroes gifted with great prowess, and maddened
with haughtiness in consequence of the boon^ drank up
nectar. And these two, if worked up with ire, are capable
of destroying the whole city of Lanka with her horses,
chariots and elephants. What of other monkeys, I, myself,
am capable of destroying soon the city along with the
RSkshasas and the mighty RSlvana ! And there is not the
least wonder about it if I am aided by powerful monkey

lOfS RARllyANA.

heroes like you, having control over themselves, well armed,
capable and desirous of winning victory. I have heard,
that, by Wind-god's son alone Lanka was burnt. Ye are all
famed for your manliness, it doth not behove you to speak
before RSima. *We have seen the worshipful dame but
have not been able to bring her.' Ye foremp^tjOf monkeys,
there is none amongst the celestials or Asuras who can equal
you either in leaping or in prowess. And therefore winning
LankSl, slaying RSLvana along with his Rakshasa host in
conflict and taking SitSl, let us go, delighted and having 4)ar

ends accomplished. What else is there for us to perform
than bringing the daughter of the king Jaijiajc^ when the
Rakshasa crew shall be slain by HanumSn ? And we shall
place Janaka^s daughter between Rima and Lakshmana.
What is the use of putting the other residents of Kishkinda
into trouble ? It therefore behoveth us alone to go to Lanka
and after slaying the best of the RiLkshasas, to see Sugriva,
Rllma and Lakshmana." Thereupon Jambavana, the
foremost of the monkeys, greatly delighted spoke unto
Angada, who was thus resolved, the following pregnant words,
— '*0 great monkey,. O thou of best understanding, what
thou hast spoken, is, (I think) not proper, for we have been
despatched by them to ransack the southern quarter, but
we have not been commanded by the king of the monkeys
and the highly intelligent Rama to bring her. And it shall
not please him even if we rescue her. And mentioning his
own lineage, that best of the kings, R§ghava, promised
before all the leading monkeys, that he would himself
rescue SitS. How would he now falsify his own saying?
What is the use of undertaking this work for notliing which
shall not conduce to his pleasure ? And useless shall be
the display of your prowess, O ye, foremost of the monkeys.
Let us therefore proceed where RSLma,^with Lakshmana, and
the highly effulgent Sugriva is, and relate unto them our
proposed work. What thou hast judged, O prince, is liked

SVN1>ARa KlN^DAM. io»

by us. And still you should lodk to RSLma's resolutiotr and
bring about his end. *

SECTION LXI.

jfiLLL the heroic monkeys, headed by Angada and the
great monkey HanumSn, approved highly of the words of
Jambavan. And these leading monkeys headed by the Wind-
god's son proceeded leaping from the summit of the Mount
Mahendra. And these highly powerful ones, having huge
persons, resembling the Mount Mandara, covered the welkin
as if like so many mad elephants. They carried, as it wer6
with their own looks, the highly powerful HanumSln, gifted
with great velocity, having control over his own self, and
adored by the Stddhas* They were resolved upon satisfy-
ing RSlma's end and acquiring glory for themselves. Theif
desires were satisfied and mind elevated in consequence of
their beholding SitSL and burning down LankS. All of thent
w^e'anxiotfS to communicate this pleasant news, to entef
hito conflict and were resolved upon bringing about Rama'^
welibeing. And leaping and ascending the sky they got atf
Ibft Madh\^vana^ preserved by Sugriva, resembling the
octiMttal garden, covered with many trees, picturesque and
ificapable of being divastated by any. And the monkey-
chief Sugriva's maternal uncle, the heroic and high-souled
Dadhimukha always guardeth that picturesque and spacious
garden of the lord of monkeys. They 'were greatly worked
lip with anxiety. And beholding thitt latge ardiard, those
yeHow-colouted monkeys were greatly delighted and beg-
ged honey of the prince; And the '"prtntfe^ respectfully

♦ An orchard teeming with various trees bearing delicious and sweet fruits. — T.

io8o RAM A r AN A,

allowed these elderly monkeys headed by Jambavan to
drink honey. And being thus commanded by the intelligent
prince — VSli's son, those monkeys ascended the trees
infested with bees and feasting on fragrant fruits and roots,
were greatly delighted and intoxicated. And thereupon those
monkeys, beside themselves with joy for being allowed to
drink honey began to dance hither and thither. Some sang,
some laughed, some danced, some bowed down, some read,
some walked hither and thither, some leaped and some
talked at random. Some sprang upon one another, some
quarrelled with one another, some leaped from one tree
to another, and some jumped down on the earth from
the tops of the trees. Some rose up with great velocity from
the earth to the tops of the huge trees — some sang, others
approached them laughing — some wept and others approach-
ed them weeping. Some were stricking with their nails
and others struck them in return. And thus the entire monkey
host were bewildered with intoxication. There was none
amongst them who was not drunk and none who was not
excited with pride. Thereupon beholding all the fruits
eaten up and the trees divested of leaves and flowers, the
monkey Dadhimukha was worked up with ire and attempted
to prevent them. And that heroic, elderly monkey, the
guard of the garden, was in return remonstrated with by
them who were greatly intoxicated. Thereat the highly
spirited monkey again made up his mind to protect the
garden from their devastations. He used harsh words,
undauntedly towards some, struck the weak with his palm,
quarrelled with some, and consoled others with soothing
words. They were greatly excited with drink, and being
prevented forcibly by Dadhimukha, they giving up all fear,
began to pull him. And striking him with their nails, biting
him with teeth, crushing him with their palms and feet, they,
being drunk, almost reduced him to death and devastated
the mangoe forest.

SUNDARAKAnJDAM. !o8t

SECTION LXM.

HEREUPON Hanum3Ln, the foremost of the monkeysj
spoke unto them, saying — "0 monkeys, do ye undisturbed
drink honey. I shall myself thwart them who will obstruct
you/' Hearing his words, Angada, the best of the monkeys,
delighted, said — 'Drink honey, O monkeys, we must follow
HanumSLn's advice, who hath already been crowned with
success. We must follow him even if he leadeth us to an
unworthy action, what of this which is most becoming ?"
Hearing these words from Angada, the leading monkeys
attained to an excess of delight and eulogized him again and
again. And adoring Angada — their prince, those monkeys
proceeded by the way leading to the Madhuvana like unto
trees carried by a stream. And entering that orchard they
forcibly attacked the waiters there. HanumiLn saw Maithilee;
and others heard of her from him — and those monkeys,
renouncing all fear in consequence and obtaining permission,
drank honey and feasted on various sweet fruits. And they,
given to the drinking of honey, attacking the guards who
were approaching by hundreds, gave them a sound beating.
Some monkeys,collecting honey with their hands measuring a
Drona,^ drank it j others collecting themselves delightedly
into a band spoiled it ; while other yellow-coloured monkeys
drank and sprinkled it. And some, being beside themselves
with intoxication, struck others with the remaining quantity,
while others waited at the foot of the trees, holding their
boughs. And some, being exhausted with drinking, spread
leaves and laid themselves thereon — and some being drunk
and delighted struck others down in mad fury. And some
lost their steps. Some roared and some delightedly set up

* In common use a measure of thirty-two seers or rather more than sixty
four lbs. quadrupeds. — T.

136

io82 rXmAfaNA,

the music of the birds. Some of the monkeys, inebriete witli
honey, slept on the earth ; some laughed at others
impudently and some cried aloud. Some spoke contrary
to what they had done — and others put a different
construction thereon. And all the waiters of the garden
and the servants of Dadhimukha, were repressed by those
terrible monkeys with censure and thrown up in the sky by
their knee-joints. And terrified, they fled to different
directions. And being worked up with anxiety, they
approached Dadhimukha and said — 'Commanded by Hanuman
the monkeys have forcibly devastated the Madhuvana and
we were thrown high up by them in the sky." Hearing of
the destruction of the orchard, Dadhimukha, being greatly
enraged, consoled all the monkeys. ^'Proceed ye before,
I shall soon follow you and repress by force all those
monkeys, greatly excited with pride and the drinking of the
excellent honey." Hearing these words from Dadhimukha
those leading and heroic monkeys proceeded with him towards
Madhuvana, And Dadhimukha proceeded with great velocity
in their midst taking up a huge tree in his hand. And all
his atteiulants, taking trees, mountain crags, proceeded,
wroth, where those leading monkeys were. And biting their
lips in wrath and remonstrating with them again and again,
those monkeys began to suppress them by force. And
beholding Dadhimukha greatly enraged, all the monkeys,
headed by Hanuman, approached him with great vehemence.
And as the mighty Dadhimukha of huge arms, was proceeding
towards them vehemently with a huge tree, Angada, wroth,
caught him by the hand. He was beside himself with
intoxication and therefore did not show him the least mercy,
albeit he (Dadhimukha) was worshipful unto biin. And
accordingly with great veiiemence he ground him to the dust.
His arms and thiglis were broken and his countenance was
disfigured and that great heroe, the foremost of the monkeys,
bathed in a pool of blood, remained senseless for sometime.

SVNDARAKXNDAM. 1083

And thereupon releasing himself from them by some device
that leadings monkey, proceeded to a nook, and addressed his
attendants, saying — "Let us all proceed there where our
lord, the spacious-necked Sugriva liveth with RSma. I shall
relate unto him all the unfair dealingfs of Angada
and forsooth shall that wrathful king punish all these
monkeys. The picturesque Madhuvana is the most favourite
orchard of the high-souled Sugriva. It was enjoyed by his
forefathers and is not even approached by the celestials.
And meting out punishment unto these monkeys, eager to
drink honey and almost half dead, Sugriva shall slay them
as well as their friends and relatives. Those vicious-souled
ones are worthy of being slain since they have transgressed
the royal mandate. And then shall my WTath, arising
out of impatience, bear fruits.'* Having thus spoken unto
the guards of the forest the hig:hly powerful Dadhimukha
leaped high up in the welkin and went away with them.
And in no time he reached where the highly intelligent
monkey Sugriva, the offspring of the sun, was. And
beholding Rama, Lakshmana, and Sugriva and the level
ground he descended from the sky. And descending from
the sky that great and heroic Dadhimukha, lord over all the
monkeys engaged in protecting the forest, placing his folded
palms on his forehead and with a poorly countenance, laid
low his crown at Sugriva's feet,

SECTI ON Lxni.

^cLnd beholding that monkey place his crown at his feet

the monkey-chief, with an anxious mind, accosted him,

saying — "Rise up, rise up, why hast thou lain thyself at my

io84 HAMAYAf^A,

feet ? I declare thou hast no fear, speak out the truths
From whose fear hast thou come here ? It hehoveth
thee to suggest the becoming proceedure. Is it all well
with my orchard Madhuvana ? I long to know every-
thing, O monkey." Being thus addressed hopefully by
the his:h-souled Sugriva, Dadhimukha^ gifted with an intel-
ligence of a very high order, rose up and spoke — "Neither
thyself, nor Vali, the lord of the monkeys, O king, allowed
that orchard to be freely used by the monkeys — but that
hath been now laid waste by them. I prevented them
along w^th these attendants, but disregarding me, they drank
and feasted there at their pleasure. They were prevented,
O lord, in their act of devastation, by these guards, but tiiose
monkeys, without caring for me the least, feasted there.
Some of them went beyond the pale of good conduct, others
ate at their pleasure, and all frowned (at us). And when
these attendents, being insulted by them, were greatly
wroth, they were driven out of the garden, by those powerful
and enraged monkeys. And they were greatly assailed by
those many thousand heroic monkeys, uorked up with ire
and having reddened eyes. Some had their arms broken,
some had their knee-joints crushed and some of them were
thrown np in the sky. Thyself their lord living, these
heroes are beaten, and the entire Madhuvana is being freely
enjoyed by them.'* The highly intelligent Lakshmana,
the slayer of foes, addressed Sugriva, the foremost
of the monkeys, while he was thus being informed,
saying, — "O king, why hath this monkey, the guard over
the forest, come to thee, and what sorrow hath led him to
give vent to these expressions St^ Being thus addressed by the
high-souled Lakshmana, Sugriva, skilled in the art of speech,
replied, — ''O worshipful Lakshmana, the heroic monkey
Dadhimukha speaks that the war-like monkeys headed by
Angada have drunk hcney. They would not have engaged in
such an unfair proceeding had they been unsuccessful in

SUNDARAKANDAM. 1085

their mission. They have surely achieved success while they
have thus been bent upon devastating the orchard. For this
the warders were struck on their knee-joints for obstructing^
their revelry and for this they went so far as to disregard
the powerful monkey Dadhimukha. I myself appointed
this monkey the lord of ^y orchard. Forsooth hath
Hanuman espied the worshipful SitS and none else. There
is none else but HanumSn who is the instrumental of
this work, for that best of monkeys hath in him
a high intellect, knoweth the art of success, is gifted
with courage, strength and prowess and is conversant
with Sastras. That work is sure to succeed whose leading
spirits are the mighty Jambavana and Angada, and worker is
HanumSn. Forsooth that orchard hath been laid waste by these
heroes headed by Angada. And ransacking the southern
quarter, those leading monkeys have come back and delight-
edly entered the Madhuvana, And the whole orchard has
been explored and enjoyed by those monkeys and the
attendants beaten and wounded on their knee-joints. To com-
municate unto me this intelligence, this monkey of known
prowess, ^ and sweet accents, named Dhadimukha, hath come
here. O thou of mighty arms, O son of SumitrSl, forsooth
they have beheld Sita, since the monkeys, just on their return,
have engaged in drinking honey. O best of men, they are all
well-known monkeys and without espying Vaidehi they would
not have engaged in the destruction of that orchard con-
ferred on us as a gift by the celestials." Hearing these words
from Sugriva, pleasant unto ears, the virtuous-souled Laksh-
mana along with RSLghava, was greatly pleased. And hearing
this from Dadhimukha, Sugriva, greatly gratified, addressed
that lord of the forest, again, saying, — "Greatly pleased I am,
since, they, being successful, have explored this forest. And
the insulting procedure of the successful is also pardonable.
Do thou soon go there and protect that orchard, and send
here all those monkeys headed by HanumSln. Along with

io86 RAhiXvaNjs.

tliese two descendants of Ragliu, I long to know soon
from these monkeys headed by Hanuman, and proud like
lions, what they l>ave settled for the regaining of SitJ. And
beholding these two princes greatly delighted and their eyes
expanded with joy, the king of the monkeys, thought that
the accomplishment of the great wort was near at hand, and
was accordingly greatly delighted."

SECTION LXIV.

-•c*-

JlSeing thus addressed by Sugriva, the monkey Dadhi«
mukha, delighted, bowed unto him, RaghavS and Lakshmana.
And adoring Sugriva and the highly powerful descendants of
Raghu, he along with other heroic monkeys, leaped up in the
sky. He went away with the same speed with which he
came and leaping down on the earth from the sky, entered
the orchard. And entering that forest he beheld all the leaders
of the monkeys spending the hours delightedly, having passed
urine, the outcome of honey. And approaching them, the
heroe, with folded hands and delighted, addressed Angada,
with the following words — *'0 gentle one, do thou not take
offence, for these monkeys, protecting the garden enraged,
unweetingly prevented thee. O thou of great strength, thou
art worn out with thy long journey, do thou drink thy own
honey, thou art our prince and the master of this garden.
It behoveth thee to forgive us for our wrath arising out of
ignorance. Like unto thy sire before, thyself and Sugriva
are the lords of these monkey hosts, O thou foremost of
them, and none else. O innocent prince, I have related all
about this unto thy uncle. When I described unto him, the
arrival of all these forest rangers, as well as of thine

SVNdarakXndam. \o%^

accompanied by them, and the destruction of this garden by
you all, he was not the least offended, rather delighted.
And worked up with joy thy uncle Sugriva, the lord of earth
and monkeys, said '*Send them all here speedily." Hearing
those words from Dadhimukha, Angada, the foremost of the
monkeys and skilled in speech, addressed them all, saying — "O
ye leaders of the monkey hosts, I fear, RUma hath heard all
about this. Dadhimukha relates everything joyfully and hence
I infer this. And our work finished, O slayer of foes, it doth
not behove us to- remain here (any longer). You have all
drunk honey at your pleasure and there is nothing left and
you should now go where the monkey king Sugriva is. O
leading nionkeys, I shall follow what you will in a band
desire me to do. In actions I am surbordinate unto you all.
1 am not justified to command although I am a prince. You
are all of accomplished actions, it is not proper to repress
you forcibly." Hearing those ^sweet words of the prince
Angada, the monkeys delightedly replied, saying — *'0 king,
O foremobt of monkeys, who else can speak thus being a
master ? Any one else, we think, is proud of his wealth.
Such like words become thee only and none else. Thy
humility speaks of thy future greatness. We are all anxious
to go there, where Sugriva, the king of the monkeys, is.
Verily we speak unto thee, O foremost of monkeys, that
without thy permission, none amongst us, is capable of
advancing a single step.'* They addressing him thus, Angada
replied — **All right, let us all go." Saying this he leaped
up in the sky and was followed by all those monkeys,
clouding the welkin as if with stones thrown up by a tool.
And placing before them Angada and HanumSLn, the
monkeys leaping vehemently up in the sky roared like unto
clouds driven by the wind. And Angada nearing, Sugriva,
the lord of the -monkeys, spoke unto the lotus-eyed RSma,
stricken with grief, saying — "May good betide thee. Do
thou console thyself. The worshipful dame has been found

io88 RlMlFANA,

out ; there is not the least dbubt about it. Or else they
would not have come as the time is already past. I (further
more) infer this from Angada's joy, O thou of auspicious
presence. Without being successful in his mission, the
large-armed prince, Angada, the foremost of the monkeys,
would not have come to me. If the monkeys had engaged
in such an unfair proceeding without being successful
in their mission, Angada would have looked poorly and his
mind would have been over-whelmed with grief and
forgetfulness. And without beholding the daughter of the
king Janaka they would not have dared to destroy
Madhuvana obtained and preserved by my forefathers. Do thou
console thyself, O RSima, by whom Kau^alySl hath become
the mother of a good son. O thou, rigidly observing any
religious vow or obligation, forsooth hath HanumSLn beheld
the worshipful dame and none else. No other wight is so
qualified an instrument in encompassing this end. O thou
of excellent intellect, HanumSn knoweth the art of success,
is gifted with intellect, perseverance and courage and is
versed in Sastras, That work cannot fail, which is worked
out by Jambavan and Angada and presided over by
Hanuman. Be not laden with anxiety, O thou of unmitigated
prowess. These monkeys have come here excited with
pride and drink. They would not have come with such a
grandeur had they been but unsuccessful. From their
breaking down the orchard and drinking honey I inferred
so. Thereupon he heard in the sky the joyous sounds of the
monkeys proud on account of HanumSln's work, proceeding
towards KishkindhSL and as if announcing their success.
Thereupon hearing the noise of these monkeys, Sugriva, 1
their chief, being greatly delighted, uplifted his tail. And ^
placing Angada and Hanumin before them those monkeys
proceeded to behold Rama. And those heroes headed by
Angada, delighted and intoxicated, descended before Raghava
and the lord of the monkeys. And the mighty-armed ,

St/NDAkAKliNDAM, to8^

Danum&n, lowering his head, related unto RSghava, Sita's
spiritual and physical well-being. And hearing from
Hanuman the sweet words that he had beheld Sita, RSma
and Lakshmana were greatly delighted. And being
confirmed thus by the Wind-god's son, Lakshmana, greatly
pleased, respectfully looked towards Sugriva. And RSghava
loo, the slayer of foes, worked up with joy, cast respectful
looks towards HanumSLn.

SECTION LXV.

HEREUPON getting at the yioxini Prasravana surrounded
by a variegated forest, lowering their heads unto the mighty
R&ma and Lakshmana, placing before them their prince
(Angada) and bowing unto Sugriva, the monkeys began to
telate the story of SitS. And they described unto Rama,
the confinement of Sita in Ravana's seraglio.the remonstrances
of the she-demons, her unflinching attachment in her lord
and the time appointed (by the Rakshasa for her destruction).
And hearing of Vaidehi^s well-being R^masaid — **0 monkeys
where liveth the worshipful Sit5 ? And how is her attachment
unto me ? Do ye relate everything unto me." Hearing those
painful words of Rama, the monkeys desired Hanuman,
conversant with the whereabouts of Sita, to describe every
thing unto him. Hearing their words, Hanunvui, the Wind-
god's son, versed in the art of speech, lowering his head irt
Sita's name and towards the southern direction (where she
liveth) began to relate how he succeeded in beholding Sita.
And conferring on (Rama) the heavenly jewel set on a golden
leaf and burning with its own effulgence, Hanuman, with
folded hands, began^" Anxious to behold Sita, the daughter

137

IO90 RAMArANA,

of the king Janaka, I, ploughing over the main extending ovef
a hundred yoyana, wended my way and by and by reached
LankS, the capital of the vicious-souled RSLvana. LankH is
situated on the southern bank of the southern occean. And
1 saw there SitSl, in the inner appartment of RIvana.
Centering all her thoughts in thee, breathes that damsel, O
RSlma. I saw her reviled by the she demons again and
again. She is being guarded in that garden by the grim-
visaged RSikshasees. And that worshipful dame, O hero, ever
used to happinests, is now stricken with grief in thy absence.
Confined in RSLvana's inner apartment, well protected
by those she-demons, wearing a single braid of hair and
poorly, she is engaged only In thoughts touching thee. She
in lying on earth, shorn of all grace like unto a lotus on the
appearance of the winter. She hath not the least attachment
for RSivana and is resolved upon putting an end to her
existence. O K&kutstha, O innocent prince, after enquiring
for sometime, I found that worshipful dame devoted unto
thee, and narrating the glories of the Ikshw^ku race, O fore-
most of men, I created her confidence by and by, and
addressing her I related everything. And hearing of the
friendship between thee and Sugriva she was greatly
delighted. And she has her respect for thee unshaken and
all her actions are for thee. O great man, O thou best of
men, I beheld the daughter of Janaka in this plight, engaged
in hard austerities and ever devoted unto thee. O thou of
great inli.*Illgtjnce, O Raghava, offering me (this jewel) as a
token, she wanted me to relate unto thee, the occurrence at
the mount chitrakuta regarding the crow. And Janaki
addressing me said — 'O Wind-god's son, do thou describe
everything of what thou hast seen here, unto Rama. And
relating everything before Sugriva, do thou present him with
this jewel which has been preserved by me with great care.
I have kept with great care this excellent jewel of great
effulgence. Do thou remind him of the mark which he made

SUMjARAKANDAM. 1091

on my forehead with red arsenic. O innocent monkey,
greatly delighted am I on beholding the brilliant jewel
which he has sent through thee. Breathe shall I only
for a months beyond that I shall never live, subject as
I am to the demons.' Thus was I accosted by Sit5, reduced
to a skeleton, observing pious observances, shut up in Ravana's
inner apartment and having eyes like those of a hind. I
have described unto thee everything, O Raghava, do thou
make arrangements for bridging over the ocean.*' And
considering those two princes greatly consoled, the Wind-
god's son handed over that token unto Raghava and
described everything from the beginning to the end.

SECTION LXVI.

XSeing thus accosted by Hanumin, RSLma, the son of
Da9aratha, placing that jewel on his breast, wept with
Lakshmana. And beholding that excellent jewel, Raghava,
stricken with grief, with eyes full of tears, spake unto
Sugriva, saying, — **Forsooth my heart melteth on beholding
this jewel as milk trickleth down from the udders of a cow
on beholding its calf. This jewel was conferred on SilSL
by my father-in-law at the time of our wedding, and to
enhance its beauty, she wore it on her head. And this
jewel, obtained from the bed of the ocean, was conferred on
him (Janaka) by the intelligent Sakra, greatly delighted
for being adored in a sacrifice. O gentle one, this bringeth
back to my mind, the memory of my father, and father-in-law
the king of Videha. This excellent jewel appeared beautiful
on the crown of my dear one, and methinks, on beholding
it, 1 have as if got back my beloved spouse. Do thou relate

unto me again and again, O gentle one, what Vaidehi h^ath
said, as if sprinkling me with the water of her words like
unto one rendered senseless. What greater grief can there
be, O Saumitri, that I behold the jewel obtained from the
ocean but not Vaidehi ? Truly doth Vaidehi live for a long
time if she breathes for a month. But O hero, I cannot live for
a moment even without that one having dark-blue eyes. Da
thou take me there where thou hast beheld my dear spouse. I
cannot live for a moment while I have received intelligence
about her. How liveth that timid damsel, having a beautiful
waist, being terrified, amidst the terrible and grim
Rakshasees ? Truly her countenance is not appearing
beautiful like unto the autumnal moon, enveloped with clouds,
although cleared off the darkness. Do thou relate unto me
in sooth, O HanumSLn, what SitSL hath spoken unto thee. I
shall live by these words, as the sick are cured by medicine.
O HanumSn, what halh my dear wife, sweet-speeched, and
highly beautiful, spoken unto thee, being separated from me f
How breathes she going through a series of calamities ?"

SECTION LXVU.

JlSeing thus addressed by the high-souled RSLghava,
HanumSn, related unto him all of what Sita had said, — **0
foremost of men, the worshipful Janaki, related as a token,
all the incidents at the Mount Chitrakuta from the begin-
ning to the end. Sleeping happily with thee, Janaki one day
awoke before, and in the meantime, a crow wounded her
breast with its beaks. O Rama, thou wert then asleep on
Sita's lap and that crow again afflicted the worshipful dame.
And it again wounded her. And being bathed in blood and

SUN DA R 4 KlNDAM, 109 J

suffering terrible pangs, that worshipful dame aroused thee.
O slayer oT foes, O thou of mighty-arms, seeing her breast
wounded, thou, wroth like a serpent, didst speak saying—^
'O timid damsel, who, with his nails, hath wounded thy
breast ? Who hath played with an angry serpent having five
faces 9' And casting thy looks around thou didst behold a
crow facing the worshipful dame with sharpened nails
besmeared with blood. That crow, the best of the birds, was
Sakra's son. And it entered speedily into the earth with
the velocity of the wind. Thereupon, thy eyes rolling with
ire, thou, O mighty armed hero, O foremost of the intelligent,
didst resolve to destroy that crow. And taking a kufa off
thy seat thou didst set it on Brahma weapon. And it flamed
like unto the fire of dessolution before that crow. And thou
didst let off that burning kuga towards that bird. And there-
upon that burning kuga followed the crow. And being forsaken
even by the celestials, who were terrified, and ransacking
the three worlds it did not get a refuge. Thereupon it again
came to you, O subduer of foes. And seeking thy shelter
it laid itself low on the ground. And O Kftkutstha, thou
didst save it albeit it was worthy of being slain. And
thinking it improper to baffle the aim of the weapon, thou
didst, O Righava, destroy the right eye of the crow. There-
upon bowing unto thee and the king Da^aratha, that crow,
bidding adieu, went to its quarter. O RSghava, thou art the
foremost of those skilled in the use of weapons, powerful and
gifted with an excellent character, why dost thou not
discharge weapons towards the ReLkshasas ? The celes-
tials, the Gandharvas, the Asuras, the Marutas— >none of
them is qualified, O R&ma, to equal thee in conflict.'' 'If thou,
gifted with great prowess, hast any affection for me, do thou
speedily, with well-armed shafts, destroy R&vana in conflict.
And obtaining the behests of his brother, why doth not
Lakshmana, the subduer of foes and best of men, protect me,
O R&ghava ? Those two best of men, gifted with the

1094 RlMlVANA.

effulgence of Wind and Pire.and incapable of being repressed
even by the celestials, are disregarding ine. Forsooth have
I perpetrated a mighty iniquity since those two slayers of
foes, being capable, do not protect me.* Hearing those
sweet and piteous accents of Vaidehi t again spoke unto
that worshipful dame, saying — *ForSooth can 1 swear by thee,
O worshipful dame, that R&ma is sorely stricken with grief
in thy absence. And Lakshmana too relenteth heavily
beholding him laden with sorrow, tt doth not behove thee
to relent any more as I have succeeded in finding thee out.
Thou shalt at this very moment behold the end of thy grief.
And those two princes, the foremost of men and slayers of
foes, actuated with energy on hearing that 1 have seen thee,
shall reduce LankS to asheS. And slaying in conflict the
terrible Ravana, with his kith and kin, RJghava, In sooth, O
excellent damsel, shall take thee back to his own city. O
thou of a blameless person, do thou confer on me such a
token, as might be recognised by Rama and conduce to his
pleasure.' Thereat, casting her looks around, she took out
an excellent jewel from her cloth, worthy of being set on her
braid and conferred it on me, O thou of great strength.
And O thou, the most favourite of the Raghu race, taking for
Ihee that gem with my hands and bowing unto her, 1
addressed myself speedily for departure. And thereupon
beholding me ready to depart and increase in bulk and
about to leap up in the welkin, Sita, the daughter of the
king Janaka, poorly, bathed in tears, overwhelmed with
sorrow and having her voice choked with grief, spake^
saying' — 'Blessed art thou O great monkey, since thou shalt
behold the large-armed and the lotus-eyed R&ma and the
highly famed Lakshmana, my lord's younger brother.' And
being thus accosted by Maithili, I said^*Do thou speedily
place thyself on my back, O worshipful dame, O thou the
daughter of king Janaka, and I shall soon show thee, O great
dame, O thou having dark blue eyeS) thy lord along with

St/NDARAKANDAM. 1095

Sugriva and Lakshmana.' Whereto she replied— *This is
not the pious course, O great monkey, O thou the foremost
of thy race, that I shall, of my own accord, place myself on
thy back. And although before this I was touched by the
demon, O hero, it was because I could not help otherwise
subject as I was to circumstances. Do thou thyself repair,
O foremost of monkeys, where those two princes are.' Address-
ing me with these words she again said — 'O HanumSLn, do
thou relate my well-being unto RSma and Lakshmana of
leonine prowess, and Sugriva accompanied by his followers.
Do thou so describe as the large-armed RSighava may save
me from this ocean of grief. Do thou narrate unto R&ma this
my terrible sorrow and the affliction by the she-demons. May
good betide thee, on thy way, O foremost of the monkeys.*
Thus the worshipful Sit5 gave vent to these piteous accents.
Hearing these words do thou believe that it is all well with
her."

SECTION Lxviir.

Thereupon, O foremost of men, out of thy love and
adoring me for thy friendship, that worshipful dame— •
addressed me again, saying — '^Do thou thus speak every
thing unto Rama, the son of Da9aratha, so that he might
soon take me hence, slaying RSlvana in battle. O heroe,
O slayer of foes, if it pleaseth thee, thou mayst relieve thyself
of the toil by living in a secret nook and then proceed
to-morrow. O monkey, in thy company, I do momentarily
forget the weight of my grief, unfortunate as I am. O thou
gifted with great prowess, thyself departing, I shall wait for
thy return, but doubt I very much whether I shall live till

1096 KAMA VAN A.

then. Burnt I shall be with the fear of not beholding thee
again, wretched and striken with grief as I am. And so I
shall be, hereafter, overwhelmed with a mightier grief. O
hero, besides, I entertain a grave doubt about thy assistants,
the monkeys and bears. I do not know how shall the host of
monkeys and bears and those two princes cross over the
mighty main ? O innocent monkey of all the creatures
three only are qualified to cross over the ocean,thyself,Garuda
and the Wind. O thou foremost of those skilled in speech,
what hast thou settled about the accomplishment of this hard
work ? True it is that thou art alone qualified to accomplish
this work, O thou the slayer of inimical heroes — but such
manifestation of thy prowess shall increase thy glory only.
But if R&ma, obtaining victory, can take me hence to his
own city, it shall redound to his glory. It doth not behove
the heroic RSghava, to take me away by stealth, like unto
R&vana capturing me from the forest under a disguise.
Truly it shall be his becoming work, if K&kutstha, the
repressor of enemy's host, can take me away, enveloping the
city LankH with his army. Do thou therefore initiate that
work as becometh that high-souled hero and may display
his prowess."Hearing these sound reasonable and affectionate
words I gave her the last reply, saying — *0 worshipful dame,
Sugriva, the foremost of the monkeys, the lord of monkey
and bear hosts and gifted with manliness, hath resolved upon
rescuing thee. He hath under his command a number of
mighty and courageous monkeys gifted with great prowess
and quick-coursing like imagination. Their course is never
thwarted — whether going upwards or downwards — or moving
tortuously. They are never exhausted in their actions —
highly courageous and of measureless prowess. And those
great and powerful monkeys, coursing in the air, have again
and again circumambulated the earth. Sugriva hath many
monkeys — my equal — and greater than I, but none of inferior
strength. While I have crossed over the main — what of

St/NDARAKlNDAM. 109?

these mighty heroes ? The leading heroes are never sent on
a mission but only those of inferior merit. No more of
bewailing, O worshipful dame. Do thou remove thy grief.
And with one leap these leaders of monkey-hosts shall
reach LankS. O great damsel, these two princes, placing
themselves on my back shall come to thee like unto the
rising Sun and Moon. Thou shalt soon behold before
Lanka's gate R&ghava the slayer of foes resembling a lion
and Lakshmana with a bow in his hand. And thou shalt soon
observe in a band the heroic monkeys,gifted with the strength
of lions and tigers, and having nails and teeth for their
weapons. And thou shalt soon hear the roaring of the leading
monkeys on the summit of mount Malaya, resembling
the muttering of the clouds. And thou shalt soon behold
Raghava, the slayer of foes, installed along with thee on the
throne of Ayodhya after returning from the forest." And that
daughter of the king of MithilSl although heavily laden with
sorrow in thy absence was greatly comforted and pleased by
my auspicious words boding the fulfilment of her desire.

END OF SUNDARAKANDAM.

'38

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Texts

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "Ramayana : [King Rama's way]"

See other formats